Stephanie Temma Hier is an artist based in Brooklyn who has a unique approach to her work, blending realism with fantasy to create captivating pieces that spark intrigue and curiosity. Her artistry is a fusion of painting and ceramics, where she sculpts forms and then adds intricate paintings to bring them to life.
One of Hier’s notable works features a calf-hair necktie that transforms into a table fan, a whimsical and unexpected pairing that showcases her ability to blur the lines between reality and imagination. Another piece showcases popcorn surrounding pink ballet shoes, creating a surreal and dreamlike composition. Hier’s art often features uncanny elements, such as a snake framed by orange igneous rocks, adding a sense of tension and mystery to her creations.
Her upcoming solo exhibition, titled “Swan Song,” explores themes of transformation and the unexpected. The exhibition references the ancient Greek belief that swans sing before their deaths, symbolizing a moment of transition and change. Hier’s artworks in this exhibition combine elements of Dutch still lifes with surreal imagery, creating a unique and thought-provoking narrative.
In “Swan Song,” Hier’s ceramic sculptures and paintings depict a variety of motifs, including a feathered chair with webbed legs, a portrait surrounded by speckled shoes, and a thick head of green cabbage housing ravenous chicks. These works come together to form a domestic tableau that challenges perceptions of reality and familiarity, inviting viewers into a world where the unexpected reigns supreme.
Hier’s artistry is a testament to her creativity and skill, showcasing her ability to blend different mediums and techniques seamlessly. Her work is both captivating and thought-provoking, inviting viewers to explore the boundaries between the real and the imagined. “Swan Song” will be on display at Anton Kern Gallery from January 14 to February 21, offering a glimpse into Hier’s fantastical and enigmatic world.
