4.04.2008

devorah sperber's mirror universe

I felt so at home, like I was in my studio or at my trim store on 39th when I happened upon "Mirror Universe," a solo show by Devorah Sperber at Caren Golden Fine Art. Sperber's materials, which include spools of thread, pipe cleaners, beads, fishing line and ball chain, speak to me, shall we say.

It would not be fair to only talk about Sperber's work on a surface level, however; as the true visual treats are the compelling optical illusions created. The works are based on images from "the 1967 episode of Star Trek called Mirror, Mirror in which a transporter mishap swaps the crew of the Enterprise with evil counterparts, trapping them in a 'savage parallel universe.'" As such, the works are not meant to be viewed directly, but through convex mirrors. I thought of the Arnolfini Wedding Portrait (1434) by Jan van Eyck, which similarly employs optical devices. Just as in Sperber's TNG Bridge, pictured above, so much more information is revealed by van Eyck about the event in convex mirror in the background. What you will see of Devorah Sperber's work will wow you. Don't miss this exhibition.

You may also want to visit Sperber's three site-specific thread spool pieces that relate to the history of Penn Station in the lobby of One Penn Plaza (34th St btwn 7th & 8th). On display through the summer of 2010.


Devorah Sperber
"Mirror Universe"
through April 26, 2008
Caren Golden Fine Art
539 W 23rd Street (10th & 11th Aves)
New York, NY
212.727.8304

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