Lisbeth Thalberg
The mesmerizing magic of stone takes center stage at the exhibition named “Ferns Teeth” by Sam Moyer. Hosted by the renowned Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, NY, this solo exhibition is open from June 30 to September 29, 2024. Sean Kelly proudly presents Moyer’s ten-year exploration of balance, weight, and scale through her groundbreaking work with stone.
Upon entering the first gallery bathed in bright daylight, you’ll find yourself confronted by a single large-scale stone painting; ‘Fern Friend Grief Growth’ invokes a sense of serenity, might and the abstract beauty of nature. Accompanied by a marble bench, it invites visitors to sit and immerse themselves in Moyer’s vision of a stone wall or pile of rocks with ferns breaking through.
The second gallery, an intimate antechamber, is home to a central stone sculpture from Moyer’s Dependents series. Encircled by black-and-white photographs of eroded sea walls, it highlights the delicate balance between man-made architecture and natural forces.
Moving into the final gallery, ten new paintings titled ‘Clippings’ await. Arranged around the horizon of the room, these works are designed to encourage viewers to wander and explore, further enhancing their connection to the central theme of the exhibition.
Adding a touch of whimsy to the space, Moyer offers hand-cast concrete backgammon boards in the main lobby, inviting visitors to interact with her materials playfully. Available for purchase, all proceeds go to Hamptons Community Outreach.
Through her abstract works, Moyer beautifully merges the handmade with the readymade while exploring themes of value, labor, and beauty. Her sensitivity to spatial and lighting conditions and her interest in the viewer’s sensory experience create a truly immersive and enriching exhibition. Experience Sam Moyer’s ‘Ferns Teeth’ at the Parrish Art Museum and plunge into a world crafted from stone.
