Mirth and the Macabre

Barbara Steinrock’s incredible sculptural talent is on full display in her exhibition Double Take. From the morbid to the sometimes comical, this exhibition showcases a wide range of Steinrock’s works that all have unique characteristics, but are united through her use of clay as a tool to explore complex issues, both social and personal.

Steinrock utilizes color as a way to set the mood for the viewer. Many of her muted pieces, such as her Loss of Habitat (2013-16) series, embrace the natural beauty of the clay to emphasize the natural beauty that is suffering due to ever increasing destruction of natural habitat. As you move on through the gallery space, Steinrock’s work begins to shift through the dichotomy of her work towards a more humorous, and colorful visual language. Her pieces like Carnivore & Veggivore (2018) and Main Course (2019) use bright colors and seemingly ridiculous imagery as a way to embrace humor to explore lighter, less dire social issues.

Carnivore & Veggivore, 2018 Ceramic with acrylic paint
​ 19” x 5-7” x 9"

Main Course, 2019 Mixed media 13” x 15” x 9"

Looking at this show as a whole, it is clear how powerful ceramic sculpture can be as a medium. The pieces in this show are a testament to the wide range of skill that Steinrock possesses. This exhibition will be up until March 12 in the Boyer Gallery here at The Loudon House, and you don’t want to miss it! If you’re unable to make it, the exhibition is also on display online at www.lexingtonartleague.org.

Author:  Josh Porter; curatorial intern for the Lexington Art League