The Ark
The Ark
NEW | During periods of widespread anxiety and social turbulence such as our own, art serves as both witness and proof that previous generations have navigated similar crises. From antiquity forward, the idea of an ark has given hope that humanity will, through resourcefulness, compassion, and solidarity, shepherd the world beyond catastrophe.
The Ark, the extraordinary book which both stands alone and accompanies the identically titled exhibition at The Church in Sag Harbor (running from June 21 to September 1, 2025), brings together sculptures from several generations of artists who have captured humanity's deepest pleasures and fears through imagination and self-expression. Curated by renowned artist Eric Fischl, this collection resonates with the ancient story of survival against overwhelming odds. Within this contemporary ark, you'll discover sculptures that embody the inherent beauty of animals while simultaneously exploring the mythic, visual, and cultural with unexpected power. The book presents works that are not mere representations but embodiments of mysteries in our struggle for survival and protection against a hostile world. From Louise Bourgeois’ monumental spiders to Deborah Butterfield's reclining horses, from William Kentridge's bronze pigeons to Jane Rosen's ethereal glass hawk—each piece invites contemplation of our place in nature.
Eric Fischl is an American figurative painter and sculptor of psychologically and emotionally charged scenes of relationships between men and women, mothers and sons/daughters, fathers and daughters/sons, husbands and wives. In his own words, “I paint people. I paint people doing things. Sometimes doing things they shouldn’t be doing.” His work is collected widely in the United States and Europe by both major museums and important collectors. He published his memoir, Bad Boy: My Life On and Off the Canvas, in 2013. In 2020 he, along with his wife, the painter April Gornik, founded The Church, a community art center and artist residency in Sag Harbor, New York, the place they call home.
8” X 10.375”, 203mm X 264mm
HARDCOVER
136 PAGES
ISBN: 978-1-938461-73-6
$50 USD RETAIL