Imaginary Lines

Sculpture by Carolina Sardi

June 3, 2002 – July 19, 2002

AMA | OAS Gallery
OAS Main Building
17th Street, NW (Corner of Constitution Ave.)
Washington, DC 20006

THE EXHIBITION
Constructed of iron or steel, Sardi’s sculptures are minimalist in composition, and direct in their themes. Topics such as relationships that are interrupted by departure or displacement, or women’s biological identity, are addressed in a historically timeless fashion. Yet even as her pieces may very well apply to virtually all time in any place, their steel structures provide modern interpretations of age-old issues.

Sardi’s childhood and youth were spent in Argentina with her family. A third generation Argentine, three of her four grandparents were born in Italy. She earned her bachelor and master degrees in sculpture while in her homeland, learning a variety of welding techniques along the way. It follows then that these strong family ties influence her work. There is an autobiographical thread woven throughout her work. But added to this strong Argentinean foundation are universal aspects, one being the theme of the strength of women.

In the case of “The Secret” (2000), the steel from which it is constructed gives it a powerful presence, while the meticulousness of its shape gives it a dynamic of care and beauty. The piece appears simple in design at first glance, but a closer look reveals complexities. Its vaginal shapes celebrate women’s biological identity.

Sardi’s sculptures often explores issues of gender, transculturation, and identity. While these topics inevitable involve a complex array of sociological, biological, mythological, and historical facets, the simplicity of her forms weeds through her subject matter with a direct vocabulary of lineal symbols.