When Figuration Strikes Back

The more things change—the more they stay the same.

–Steven O'Hara
Lisa Yuskavage. The Ones That Don't Want To: Kelly Marie, 1992
© Lisa Yuskavage. The Ones That Don't Want To: Kelly Marie, 1992

Throughout history, civilizations have left us with imagery, symbols and architectural sights documenting their existence and beliefs. Humanity’s individual and collective cultural accomplishments have been either revered or rebuked by generations that followed. The 21st century has faithfully carried on this tradition in the most innovative ways. Though immensely popular for most of history, figurative art experienced a bit of a lull in the 20th century, while abstraction has recently dominated the market. Although it is ridiculous to say that figuration ever went anywhere, the reality is that art history is a series of dominant narratives, and there is no question that process-driven abstraction has been in the spotlight for the past few years, both curatorial and in terms of market. In recent years there appears to be a major shift back towards figurative art as young artists garner an increasing market attention and appearances in major exhibitions. A recent example of this game change was noticed as David Zirner’s booth for Lisa Yuskavage was sold out during the VIP opening in Frieze New York 2016.[1]

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Lisa Yuskavage. The Ones That Don't Want To: Kelly Marie, 1992
© Lisa Yuskavage. The Ones That Don't Want To: Kelly Marie, 1992

[1] Crocker, Lizzie and Teeman Tim. “Inside Frieze New York, the Mega-Rich’s Art Supermarket.” The Daily Beast. 5 May 2016. Web. 06 May 2016. http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/05/05/inside-frieze-new-york-the-mega-rich-s-art-supermarket.html