From New York City, to Paris, to Carrara
Technique to Concept
TEDxPenn, July 2019
As a young art student in the 1970s, Segal embarked on a life-changing adventure, leaving behind the bustling streets of New York to explore the artistic wonders of Paris. It was there, surrounded by the awe-inspiring grandeur of cathedrals and statues, that Ségal's passion for the sublime was ignited. Influenced by the art and architecture of the Renaissance, Byzantine, and Baroque periods, she immersed herself in the timeless beauty of historical landmarks, shaping her artistic vision and inspiring her lifelong dedication to technique and creativity.
Driven by her newfound inspiration, Segal sought to deepen her understanding of stone carving, journeying to the mountains above Carrara, Italy, to learn from master sculptors. Under their guidance, she honed her skills, mastering timeless techniques passed down through generations of artisans.
Embracing traditional apprenticeship methods, she now runs her studio in Yonkers, passing on her expertise to young artists from around the world. Ségal’s work intertwines her personal history with Renaissance techniques, creating pieces that provoke contemplation on status, consumerism, and the passage of time. Learn more about Ségal’s technique to concept in her TedX presentation.
Early Works
In even her earliest works, we see Segal's carvings begin to take form as representations of class, status, and gender dynamics, infusing them with layers of meaning that resonate with contemporary audiences.
Childhood memories serve as a wellspring of inspiration, intertwining with her experiences abroad. Take, for example, Segal's sculpture "Pucci" (left), modeled after a shirt her mother wore in the 1960s. While the shirt's pattern was inspired by the intricate floor design of a cathedral Segal visited in Venice, its significance runs deeper. This early piece speaks to her mother's high social status before the death of Ségal's father, which would result in her family’s financial downfall. “The Pucci Shirt" stands as a testament to Segal's ability to blend personal history, cultural influences, and artistic vision into a singular expression of beauty and meaning.
chasing the sublime
Titled "Cathedral Dress" and crafted in 1993 from White and Pink Marble alongside Bronze, this exquisite piece stands as a testament to Barbara Ségal's artistic evolution towards the sublime. Life-sized and elegant, the dress represents Ségal's foray into a new realm of exploration, utilizing the motifs of cathedrals to adorn its entirety. With intricate depictions of cathedral windows and columns adorning its fabric, the dress serves as a romantic homage to the Renaissance and Baroque masters who have inspired Ségal throughout her journey.
Drawing inspiration from luminaries like Bernini, whose dramatic narratives are embodied in works such as "David" and "Apollo and Daphne," Ségal utilizes fashion as her canvas to convey a profound message. The piece transcends its materiality, serving as a poignant reflection on the worship of fashion and haute couture in contemporary society.
Latest work
Ségal's contemplation of societal values and materialism finds playful expression in her most recent works—a series of nostalgic lunchboxes bearing the Louis Vuitton and Barbara Ségal initials. These whimsical creations, born from childhood memories and reflections on icon worship in contemporary society, serve as mirrors to our collective obsessions. Through stone and satire, Ségal invites viewers to ponder the eternal question that has guided her artistic odyssey: where, and how, do we place value?
