Artist: Richard MacDonald
Title: Sisters
Medium: Bronze Sculpture
Size: 24"H x 20"W x 15"D
Inscription: Signed, dated and numbered
Edition: 105/125
Year: 1994
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
Richard MacDonald's "Sisters" (1994) is a bronze sculpture that captures a tender moment between two young female figures, exemplifying the artist's enduring focus on the expressive potential of the human form. Through careful modeling of posture, gesture, and expression, MacDonald conveys both the physical presence and emotional nuance of his subjects. The figures' interaction suggests intimacy, companionship, and shared experience, reflecting the complexities of human relationships with subtlety and lyricism.
The composition demonstrates MacDonald's mastery of form and movement. Each figure is rendered with anatomical precision, yet the overall effect is not merely representational; the work conveys a sense of vitality and presence that resonates beyond the literal depiction. The delicate interplay of gestures and expressions evokes a narrative quality, allowing viewers to sense the emotional connection between the sisters. The sculptor's attention to surface texture enhances the way light and shadow interact across the bronze, further animating the figures and reinforcing the sculpture's dynamic quality.
In the broader context of MacDonald's oeuvre, "Sisters" reflects a recurring interest in human relationships alongside his more widely recognized studies of dancers and performers. While many of his works focus on movement and performance, this piece emphasizes intimacy and emotional resonance, offering a contemplative counterpoint to the exuberance and discipline often associated with his dance subjects.
Richard MacDonald's "Sisters" measures 24 inches in height, 20 inches in width, and 15 inches in depth. It is part of a limited edition of 125, numbered 105, and is signed and dated by the artist. Purchase is accompanied by a gallery certificate of authenticity.
About Richard MacDonald
Richard MacDonald (b. 1946, San Pedro, California) is a preeminent American sculptor renowned for his contemporary figurative works, particularly his dynamic representations of dancers, performers, and athletes. Over a career spanning more than four decades, MacDonald has established a reputation for capturing the human form with both technical precision and expressive vitality. His sculptures are celebrated for their intricate detailing, anatomical accuracy, and the graceful depiction of movement, positioning him as a leading figure in modern figurative sculpture.
MacDonald's artistic journey began with traditional training in drawing and painting, emphasizing careful observation of the human body. This foundation in classical techniques informs his sculptural practice, allowing him to merge anatomical correctness with expressive form. His work frequently explores themes of discipline, strength, and elegance, particularly within the realm of ballet and performance arts. Iconic pieces such as "Study for Dance the Dream" (Half-Life) exemplify his ability to convey fleeting moments of motion and emotion, portraying dancers poised between instinctive freedom and cultivated technique. Through these works, MacDonald captures the delicate balance between youthful exuberance and the refinement of a trained performer.
Bronze is MacDonald's primary medium, and he employs traditional lost-wax casting methods alongside innovative patination techniques to produce sculptures with depth, texture, and visual impact. His mastery of this medium allows him to achieve both monumental and intimate scales, creating works suitable for private collections, public installations, and museum exhibitions. MacDonald's sculptures often highlight the subtleties of human movement, from the tension of a poised dancer to the fluidity of an athlete in action, demonstrating his commitment to both realism and artistry.
MacDonald's work is featured in prominent public and private collections worldwide, including installations at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. His exhibitions have spanned international galleries and museums, showcasing his versatility across scale, subject, and setting. Critics and scholars note MacDonald's ability to transform bronze into a medium that expresses not only physical form but also narrative and emotion, emphasizing the harmony between technical skill and creative expression.
Beyond his own sculptural practice, MacDonald contributes to the broader art community through mentorship, workshops, and educational initiatives, supporting emerging figurative artists and promoting the discipline of classical realism in contemporary sculpture. His dedication to teaching and sharing his methods reinforces his influence within the field of modern figurative art.
Today, Richard MacDonald continues to create sculptures that celebrate the beauty, discipline, and emotional depth of the human form. His works are sought after by collectors, institutions, and art enthusiasts alike for their technical excellence, expressive power, and enduring aesthetic appeal. By blending classical tradition with contemporary insight, MacDonald has secured a lasting place in the history of contemporary figurative sculpture, leaving a legacy that honors both the artistry and the spirit of human movement.
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