Frieze New York

Stephen Friedman Gallery is pleased to present a solo exhibition by Jonathan Baldock for Frieze New York 2022.

Saturated in humour and wit, spanning themes of mortality and sensuality, Baldock’s practice explores our relationship to the body and the human condition. The artist focuses on the contrast between the material qualities of ceramic and fabric and removes their functional aspects. Working in a performative way through sculptural assemblages, Baldock brings the viewer, the object, and the space they simultaneously occupy into question as a theatrical act.   

The artist’s monumental installation, ‘Facecrime (suspect)’ comprises a group of stacked ceramic columns. Evoking ancient ruins, these hand-crafted forms reflect Baldock’s interest in myth, storytelling and folklore. The cobalt blue shimmers and glows with a spiritual, alchemical quality. The physicality of the piece is met with humour. Protruding from the column's glazed surfaces are casts from Baldock's body: disembodied ears, beckoning fingers, and hands pushing and punching in mid-air. Audible groans, whistles and chuckles stream through concealed speakers.

Additionally presented is a series of ceramic masks that evoke theatre and the psychological potency of hiding and revealing different aspects of one’s identity. Created in human scale, they feature bright colours and outlandish expressions.

A recent relief, ‘All bodies are good bodies’ reflects Baldock’s belief in “the power of making things through the bringing together of head and hand," contesting the sentimentality associated with craft and the hand made. Hovering between the cognitive and carnal, this exhibition captures childhood fears and adult desires, toying with elements of the surreal and grotesque.