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Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone

Nov. 1, 2019 – Jan. 17, 2021

The first survey of New York-based artist Rachel Feinstein featuring three decades of the artist’s work in sculpture, painting, and video, as well as a panoramic wallpaper, a major new commission, and the artist’s maquettes for sculpture.

Rachel Feinstein’s art is defined by dualities: her investigations of masculinity and femininity or good and evil are echoed in her formal explorations of balance and precariousness or positive and negative space. Her subjects, too, are drawn from oppositions and tensions: religion and fairy tales, high European craft and low American kitsch, her needs as an artist and the needs of her family. She explores these conflicts through characters borrowed from biblical and folk sources as well as objects from material culture, deconstructed and reimagined, suggesting that there is no fact without fiction, light without darkness, tranquility without chaos.

Feinstein’s process similarly embraces divergent methods and materials. Her three-dimensional objects evolve from two-dimensional sketches translated into small handmade maquettes, which are then exploded to larger-than-life-size scale and fabricated in wood, metal, or ceramic. Traces of an object’s hand-drawn origins may survive in a monochromatic palette, compressed depth, or sweeping, organic lines. Her polychrome figures are as painterly as they are sculptural, composed with bright hues and subtle tones built up with layers of pigmented synthetic resin.

Each of the exhibition’s spaces contains elements reminiscent of stage scenery—a theatrical curtain, video, and panoramic wallpaper. These echo Feinstein’s early experiments with performance, in which she positioned herself as both the subject and object of the viewer’s gaze. Feinstein’s art follows myriad lines of inquiry, but the idea of the feminine is central. She has made a sustained examination of the many ways this concept is manifested culturally. Female protagonists and figures proliferate in her work and bind it together across diverse media.

The exhibition’s title names three consequential stages in a woman’s life, a progression from youth to old age that also signals her accumulation of knowledge and complexity. Here, Feinstein is thinking of the neopagan deity the Triple Goddess—a simultaneous embodiment of maiden, mother, and crone—in whom past and present, inexperience and wisdom, fragility and power are inextricably entwined.

Kelly Taxter
Barnett and Annalee Newman Curator of Contemporary Art

Rachel Feinstein was born in Fort Defiance, Arizona in 1971. She received her BA from Columbia University in 1993, where she studied studio art and religion and worked closely with Kiki Smith and Ursula von Rydingsvard. That same year she attended the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. Beginning with the group exhibition Let The Artist Live, at New York’s Exit Art in 1994, Feinstein has continued to exhibit her work internationally. Recent solo exhibitions include: Folly, Madison Square Park, New York; The Snow Queen, Lever House, New York; and Tropical Rodeo, Le Consortium, Dijon.

#RachelFeinstein

 

In the Press

“A retrospective at New York’s Jewish Museum seduces viewers into Feinstein’s effervescently weird way of looking at the world.”
— Financial Times

 

“An erotic charge runs though her work, and alongside it, the specter of encroaching ruin.”
— The New York Times

 

“She shattered the glass coffin of fairy tale endings…”
— The Forward

Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone is organized by Kelly Taxter, Barnett and Annalee Newman Curator of Contemporary Art, The Jewish Museum.

Annabelle Selldorf of Selldorf Architects is contributing the exhibition design

A companion monograph, designed by Richard Pandiscio and published by Rizzoli Electa, will be available this October, with a lead essay by Taxter and contributions by Marc Jacobs, Florence Welch, Tamara Jenkins, Ursula von Rydingsvard, Sarah Sze, and Lisa Yuskavage, among others.

The exhibition is made possible by the Knapp Family Foundation, The Susan and Leonard Feinstein Foundation, Ann and Mel Schaffer, Melva Bucksbaum Fund for Contemporary Art, the Peter Jay Sharp Exhibition Fund, The Barnett and Annalee Newman Foundation, and other generous donors. In-kind support is provided by Gagosian Gallery.

Artist Rachel Feinstein stands in her studio, wearing a white textured outfit covered in paint. Behind her are wooden sculptures, tools, and a workbench with materials.

Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Chris Sanders.

Exhibition highlights

  • Gallery view of Rachel Feinstein exhibition with colorful, multi-material figurative sculptures on white platforms, red curtains with framed oval portraits, and dramatic overhead lighting.

    Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-January 17, 2021, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

  • Abstract white sculpture by Rachel Feinstein with irregular organic shapes, embedded round mirrors, and hollow cavities, displayed in a minimalist gallery space.

    Rachel Feinstein, Model, 2000, mirrors, wood, plaster, and enamel. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Courtesy of the artist.

  • Freestanding wooden sculpture by Rachel Feinstein composed of layered cutouts forming abstracted human and tree-like shapes, displayed against a neutral background.

    Rachel Feinstein, Adam and Eve, 2007, wood, stain, and hardware. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Marcus Leith.

  • White sculptural form by Rachel Feinstein resembling a swirling, ornate rococo structure with a pair of small blue shoes placed at its base, set against a polished concrete floor and plain white wall.

    Rachel Feinstein, Corrine, 2018, majolica. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Jeff McLane.

  • Oval-shaped painting by Rachel Feinstein depicting a woman in elaborate 18th-century-style costume with curly hair, a large feathered hat, pearl necklaces, and gloves, rendered in shades of gray against a neutral background.

    Rachel Feinstein, Eileen With Gloves, 2009, enamel on mirror. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Courtesy of the artist and Marianne Boesky Gallery, New York and Aspen.

  • Sculpture of a stylized female figure, made of flat painted cutouts in shades of beige, brown, and pink, kneeling on one leg with the other extended forward, wearing black high heels, set against a plain gray background.

    Rachel Feinstein, Humpers, 2006, wood, gloss, paint, and hardware. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Marcus Leith.

  • Sculpture of a female figure with exaggerated features, wearing a revealing bodysuit, large white earmuffs, mittens, and high boots, painted in a variety of bright colors and textures, standing on a dark base against a plain white background.

    Rachel Feinstein, Icicles, 2018, hand-applied color resin over foam with wooden base. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Jeff McLane.

  • Abstract wooden sculpture composed of layered cut-out forms that suggest two stylized seated figures, one larger and one smaller, with oversized heads, simplified limbs, and curved organic shapes, all in a natural wood finish against a plain background.

    Rachel Feinstein, Mother, 2007, wood, stain, and hardware. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Marcus Leith.

  • White sculptural piece featuring two abstracted, elongated seated figures with exaggerated, rounded facial features and limbs, posed in a dynamic, intertwined composition against a plain background.

    Rachel Feinstein, Satyrs, 2008, resin, nylon, and polyester. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Courtesy of the artist.

  • Metallic sculpture of a standing figure composed of flat, cutout shapes outlined in black, incorporating clocks, playing cards, hearts, and other objects, mounted on a white marble base.

    Rachel Feinstein, Mr Time, 2015, powder-coated aluminum and automatic clock. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Robert McKeever.

  • Large white sculpture by Rachel Feinstein depicting a layered, flowing, abstracted female figure with draped garments and sweeping curves, standing on a textured base.

    Rachel Feinstein, St. Michael, 2012, Aqua-Resin, steel, wire, and wood. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Giorgio Benni.

  • Hanging sculpture made of fragmented mirror tiles forming a large basket-like structure with multiple disco-ball shapes dangling below, set against a black background.

    Rachel Feinstein, Mirrored Ball, 1998, plaster, mirror, and paint. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein.

  • Colorful sculpture of a seated woman holding a child, both wearing draped, multicolored garments, positioned on top of a tall, weathered pedestal.

    Rachel Feinstein, Madonna, 2015, Aqua-Resin, steel, wire, and wood. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Courtesy Gagosian. Photo: Robert McKeever.

  • Large whimsical sculpture resembling an ornate vanity with a central mirror, curved gold and white architectural elements, rainbow-colored steps, and a small white robed figure gesturing upward.

    Rachel Feinstein, The Shack, 2001, wood, cedar shingles, wire, plaster, nylon fabric, mirror, gold leaf, and enamel; four parts. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Courtesy Sadie Coles HQ, London.

  • Sculpture of a shepherdess figure with a bonnet and staff, cradling a lamb, rendered in pale, textured material with pink accents inside the skirt and at the base.

    Rachel Feinstein, The Bleeding Shepherdess, 2014, resin. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Courtesy Gagosian. Photo: Robert McKeever.

  • Colorful cut-out sculpture depicting three stylized figures interacting beneath a simplified green tree, with flowing shapes and glossy surfaces on a white base.

    Rachel Feinstein, Good Times, 2005, wood, Aqua-Resin, and oil enamel. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Courtesy of the artist and Marianne Boesky Gallery, New York and Aspen.

  • Wooden cut-out sculpture of a stylized seated female figure, composed of flat shapes with curved edges, displayed on a tall gray pedestal with a white rim.

    Rachel Feinstein, Alice, 2008, wood, stain, hardware, and laminate pedestal. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Courtesy of the artist and Marianne Boesky Gallery, New York and Aspen.

  • Video by SandenWolff

    Video by SandenWolff

  • Rachel Feinstein Artist Lecture at the Jewish Museum

    Rachel Feinstein Artist Lecture at the Jewish Museum

  • Once Upon a Time: Narrative in Art — Rachel Feinstein, Tamara Jenkins, and Lisa Yuskavage in conversation.

    Once Upon a Time: Narrative in Art — Rachel Feinstein, Tamara Jenkins, and Lisa Yuskavage in conversation.

Installation Views

  • Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

    Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

  • Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

    Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

  • Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

    Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

  • Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

    Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

  • Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

    Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

  • Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

    Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

  • Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

    Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

  • Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

    Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

  • Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

    Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

  • Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

    Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

  • Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

    Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

  • Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.

    Installation view of Rachel Feinstein: Maiden, Mother, Crone, November 1, 2019-March 22, 2020, at the Jewish Museum, NY. Artwork © Rachel Feinstein. Photo: Tom Powel Imaging.