“Ethereal Legacy: The Art of Fahren Feingold”
A Retrospective Solo Exhibition Presented by The Untitled Space
Opening Reception
Saturday, May 11th, 2024 / 2pm – 6pm
RSVP
events@untitled-space.com
Exhibition On View
May 11 – May 31, 2024
The Untitled Space
45 Lispenard Street, NYC 10013
The Untitled Space is presenting “Ethereal Legacy: The Art of Fahren Feingold,” a retrospective solo exhibition celebrating the profound and lasting impact of artist Fahren Feingold (1980-2023). Opening on Saturday May 11, 2024, and on view through May 31st, the exhibition curated by The Untitled Space gallery founder, Indira Cesarine, offers a poignant look at the legacy of an artist whose life was tragically cut short by cancer on September 26, 2023.
Fahren Feingold’s artistic journey was one marked by a fearless exploration of the female form, challenging societal norms and patriarchal constructs through her ethereal and sensual watercolor paintings. Her untimely passing left a profound void in the art world, but her legacy lives on through the captivating works she left behind.
This retrospective exhibition, “Ethereal Legacy: The Art of Fahren Feingold,” offers a comprehensive view of the artist’s evolution and the enduring impact of her art. Featuring over 50 never-before-seen paintings from her estate, including works on paper and canvas, as well as a number of works from previous solo exhibitions, the show serves as a tribute to Feingold’s trailblazing spirit and her unwavering commitment to empowering women through her art.
From her early days as an artist, Feingold’s work stood out for its unapologetic depiction of the female nude, challenging centuries of censorship and shaming surrounding the female body. Her art not only captivated global audiences, but also sparked discussions on broader societal issues, advocating for a more inclusive representation of women in art. As the Huffington Post aptly stated, “Fahren Feingold captures the space where the ethereal meets the erotic…Her artwork is an attempt to undo the centuries of censorship, shaming, and patriarchal politics that cloud the simple beauty of a naked body.”
Feingold’s watercolors were not merely erotic, they were a celebration of femininity, a reclamation of the female narrative, and a defiant stance against the objectification of women’s bodies. Her vibrant palette and dreamlike brushstrokes invited viewers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the female form, free from the constraints of societal expectations.
Feingold’s art was a powerful expression of the female gaze, a perspective often overlooked or suppressed in the art world. As Vice declared, “Feingold’s watercolors appear to swim on paper. Her figures bloom and radiate with ethereal energy, and the occasional splash of bright colors imbues them with life.” Her works were a testament to the strength, resilience, and grace of women, allowing audiences to see the world through a distinctly feminine lens.
Through her art, Feingold gave voice to women of the past and present, exploring the complexities of female identity and the ongoing struggle for equality. As Forbes observed, “She’s all about girl power. Feingold wants to empower and question wider issues, such as female constructs within the contemporary landscape.”
“Ethereal Legacy: The Art of Fahren Feingold,” traces Feingold’s artistic evolution, from her early works inspired by vintage imagery to her later pieces that drew from her own photographs and personal connections with her subjects. As she stated to CreativeBoom, “By taking time to really look at and get to know the women, their stories, and their bodies, my paintings are like a love letter to my subjects, shared with the world so they can see what I feel.”
Visitors will witness the artist’s growth in scale and technique, as she pushed the boundaries of her medium, expanding her watercolors from works on paper to canvas to amplify her voice and continue her innovative vision. Feingold’s paintings are a testament to her commitment to celebrating the individuality and stories of the women she depicted, inviting viewers to connect with their subjects on a deeper, more intimate level.
Fahren Feingold’s artistic legacy is one of fearlessness, empowerment, and a relentless pursuit of truth and beauty. Through her ethereal watercolors, she challenged societal norms, gave voice to the silenced, and celebrated the strength and resilience of women. Her art transcends the boundaries of her paint strokes, inspiring countless other artists, art lovers, collectors, and critics.
Represented by The Untitled Space since 2017, the artist’s final body of work, created in 2023 for an autumn solo exhibition at the gallery, reveals a series of emotionally charged pieces, including many works on canvas that embody a profound intensity and potent emotive spirit, focusing on close-up portraits of women. These portraits not only evoke a deep sensitivity but also reflect a distinctly personal evolution of the artist’s vision.
“I have been devastated since the sudden passing of Fahren Feingold last September. In December, I traveled to Los Angeles to meet with her family and review the artwork she left behind. I brought back to the gallery in New York City many stunning pieces from her archives. Fahren was the first artist I represented at The Untitled Space, and since we began our collaboration in 2017, I have curated over 30 exhibitions of her work. I have been honored to represent Fahren and work closely with her since curating her debut solo show, along with numerous group shows, benefits, and artistic collaborations. She was a constant inspiration and I hope that her sensitive, ethereal artwork continues to inspire future generations, as it inspired me.” –Curator Indira Cesarine
“Ethereal Legacy: The Art of Fahren Feingold,” serves as a powerful reminder of Feingold’s lasting impact and the importance of continuing her fight for equality, representation, and the reclamation of the female narrative. As we immerse ourselves in her captivating works, we are reminded of the transformative power of art and the enduring legacy of those who dare to challenge the status quo.
Artist Bio: Fahren Feingold
Fahren Feingold (September 19, 1980 – September 26, 2023) was a visionary artist whose captivating watercolor paintings redefined the depiction of femininity in contemporary art. Born in San Francisco and raised in Los Angeles, Feingold exhibited a prodigious talent for art from a young age. At seventeen, she moved to New York City to study at Parsons School of Design after winning the best artist award at her high school, the Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences in Santa Monica.
Feingold’s artistic journey began in the world of fashion design, where she honed her creative skills working for esteemed brands such as Ralph Lauren, Nicole Miller, and J.Crew. However, it was her transition from fashion to fine art that marked a pivotal moment in her career. In 2016, her artwork caught the eye of the legendary Nick Knight, who commissioned her for SHOWstudio, and the same year her work was featured at The Untitled Space in the group show “LIFEFORCE” curated by Kelsey and Remy Bennett. From that point on, she dedicated herself fully to her passion for painting, embarking on a journey that would leave an indelible mark on the art world.
Her watercolor nudes, inspired by vintage imagery and infused with a modern sensibility, challenge societal norms and celebrate the beauty of the female form. With her distinctive style characterized by delicate, ethereal watercolors and bold brushstrokes, Feingold quickly garnered attention and acclaim. Her paintings, often exploring themes of femininity, sensuality, and female empowerment, captivated audiences worldwide. Vogue hailed her as “a trailblazing artist on a meteoric rise,” recognizing her profound influence on contemporary art. Over the years, she participated in numerous exhibitions, both solo and group shows, showcasing her ability to evoke emotion and provoke thought through her mesmerizing compositions.
Represented by The Untitled Space since 2017, Feingold was featured in over 30 exhibitions presented by the gallery including 6 solo shows: “FAHREN FEINGOLD” (2017), “PEEP SHOW” (2018), “Golden Touch” (2018), “HIGH ON LIFE” (2021), “WET DREAMS” (2021), and “LIVING FOR LOVE” (2023).
Other notable exhibitions included the gallery’s group shows “REBEL,” “INNOVATE,” “BODY BEAUTIFUL,” “IRL: Investigating Reality,” “ONE YEAR OF RESISTANCE,” “SECRET GARDEN,” “UPRISE / ANGRY WOMEN,” SPRING/BREAK Art Show Special Projects “(Hotel) XX” and “EDEN,” “Art4Equality x SaveArtSpace,” “Moving Kate,” curated by Nick Knight for SHOWstudio in London and The Mass in Tokyo; “The Vulgar” at The Barbican in London, curated by Judith Clark and Adam Phillips; “Red Hot Wicked” at Studio C Gallery in Los Angeles, “Les Femmes” at Tethy’s Art in Southampton, NY curated by Indira Cesarine, and Sotheby’s “Take Home A Nude” supporting the New York Academy of Art.
Tragically, Fahren Feingold’s life was cut short by cancer on September 26, 2023, at the age of 43, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, innovation, and empowerment. Her art continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, reminding us of the enduring power of the female gaze. Feingold’s legacy lives on, a testament to the transformative power of creativity and the lasting impact of one woman’s artistic vision.
The Untitled Space gallery continues to represent the artist’s estate, with proceeds from future sales of her work to support some of the women’s charities she held dear, including feminist.org and equalitynow.org.
“Opening my eyes to the beauty and love that exists within me and around, my paintings act as a quiet dagger of truth, exposing the beauty of the feminine form from the female gaze, emphasizing the female body as a great thing to behold, free of judgment and objectification. My paintings of the female figure expand the footprint of women painted by women, celebrating sisterhood and empowering female themes.”– Artist Fahren Feingold, from her artist statement for her last exhibition, “LIVING FOR LOVE,” (2023).
