Sculpting the Human Form: The Photography of Bill Durgin
Words by Costas Voyatzis
Location
New York, US
Sculpting the Human Form: The Photography of Bill Durgin
Words by Costas Voyatzis
New York, US
New York, US
Location
Merge Gallery presents Figurations, the first solo exhibition by New York-based photographer Bill Durgin. Running from September 4 to October 11, 2008, Durgin’s work challenges conventional perceptions of the human form, merging the worlds of photography and sculpture to create images that are both seductive and uncanny.
Durgin’s photographs explore the figure as a sculptural entity, using extreme bodily contortions to craft austere, abstract compositions. His models, including himself, bend and twist their bodies into forms that often appear amorphous and otherworldly, pushing the boundaries of physicality and perception. Employing a large-format camera and film, Durgin captures these figures in a way that obscures traditional human anatomy, creating images that appear simultaneously familiar and alien.
Saarinen table from "figures & wares" series (Saarinen table designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll ).
Photo by Bill Durgin.
Cortina chair from "figures & wares" series (Cortina chair designed by Gordon Guillaumier for Minotti).
Photo by Bill Durgin.
At first glance, his works may evoke a sense of unease, recalling the grotesque realism of Lucian Freud’s figure studies. This is heightened by the stark, architectural setting of the studio and his meticulous attention to composition and color, ranging from airy and ethereal to somber and moody. Yet, amidst this distortion lies the undeniable beauty of the human form, transformed into a haunting and captivating sculptural study.
Durgin’s Figurations series reveals a profound interplay between photography and sculpture. The works blur the lines between medium and art form, demonstrating his unique ability to “sculpt” human bodies through his lens. With just a click, Durgin crafts figures that challenge and inspire our understanding of the human body.
Harcourt chair from "figures & wares" series.
Photo by Bill Durgin.
Cyc from "figure studies" series.
Photo by Bill Durgin.
Describe yourself in five words:
Wry, observant, particular, sympathetic, eclectic.
If you could be a different nationality, what would it be?
French, I guess.
What kind of music do you like to listen to?
Latin jazz and rock.
What is the most expensive piece of furniture in your house?
A pair of Nakashima (studio) lounge chairs.
What inspires you?
Human interaction, abstract figurative painting, contemporary dance/performance, and film.
Of your own photographic work, what project are you most proud of?
My series entitled Figurations (featured under “Figure Studies” on my website).
You’re going for a weekend “somewhere” and you have to invite seven famous people, dead or alive. Where would you go, and who would they be?
A cooking class in Burgundy with David Sedaris, Amy Sedaris, Francis Bacon, Stanley Kubrick, Eva Green, Patti Smith, and Louise Bourgeois.
Are you afraid of the future?
Not really.
Describe the perfect day.
Sleeping in with my wife, having breakfast with poached eggs, visiting the farmers market, playing with my son on the beach, barbecuing with friends, and ending the day by watching a movie.
Photography is?
A unique perspective.
Laight from "figure studies" series.
Photo by Bill Durgin.
Swann from "figure studies" series.
Photo by Bill Durgin.
Bill Durgin’s artistry stands at the intersection of photography and sculpture, transforming the human body into a medium of exploration and expression. Through his work, he invites viewers to see beyond the surface and into the limitless possibilities of form and perspective.
Bill Durgin [Figurations]
September 4, 2008 through October 11, 2008
Merge Gallery: 178 Schoonmaker Lane Stone Ridge, NY 12484
Opening reception: September 4, 6-9pm
Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 6pm