Childhood

Barbara Segal's "Childhood" series transcends simply representing little girl dresses; these garments serve as "autobiographical hieroglyphics," intricately woven into her personal narrative. By sculpting delicate, ethereal forms from solid stone, Segal captures pivotal moments from her life and incorporates significant elements from her past — roses from the fence surrounding her childhood home, butterflies from her bedroom wallpaper, and even a Playboy bunny pin gifted by her father.

The interplay of light filtering through the marble challenges perceptions, evoking nostalgia while blurring the boundaries between memory and reality. Drawing inspiration from the sublime beauty of classical sculpture, where figures frozen in time reflect themes of innocence and loss, Segal reimagines clothing as both a self-portrait and a tangible shield. She conceals yet projects her history while inviting the audience to share their experiences.