THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, November 3, 1995 TAG: 9511010172
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
Molds made by covering human models in Alginate, the substance used by dentists for molds of teeth and gums, are the basis for ultra-realistic sculptures in an exhibit that opens Thursday night at the 1846 Courthouse gallery.
The works by Marc Sijan of Milwaukee will be displayed through Dec. 31, 1996.
The reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. is open to the public. Non-members are asked to contribute $3 at the door.
The exhibit of 11 sculptures by Sijan of Milwaukee is billed as ``a tribute to real people.'' The sculpture, so realistic that viewers have been known to attempt conversation with the figures, captures all the human flaws - not only warts but pronounced pores, scars, age spots, moles, wrinkles and sags.
He denies that he wants to create sculpture of ugly people, contending instead that he is interested in the qualities that make humans individual and unique.
``I'm not looking for a magic show,'' he said. ``I am looking for an emotional response. What I create is not a copy of an actual person but I am trying to recreate the inner spirit.''
Sijan has bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. His figures recently have been exhibited in Iowa, Missouri, Texas, Tennessee and, of course, Wisconsin.
Two special education events are scheduled in conjunction with the exhibit.
Bene Wilson, professor of sculpture at the Tidewater Community College Visual Arts Center, will present a lecture on the realistic figures at 10 a.m. Nov. 10. Although the lecture is part of the museum's docent orientation program, it is open free to the public.
On Nov. 27 at 7 p.m., Linda McGreevy, associate professor of art history at Old Dominion University, will present a 30-minute film on Duane Hansen, a well known American ultra-realistic sculptor.
The film is part of the Museum Monday series and also is open free to the public.
The art center is located on the corner of High and Court streets. It is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. ILLUSTRATION: Marc Sijan's sculpture, at right, titled ``Hands on Leg,'' is
made of poly, resin and oil. The exhibit of 11 sculptures by the
Milwaukee sculptor is billed as ``a tribute to real people.'' The
sculptures are so realistic that viewers have been known to attempt
conversation with the figures.
by CNB