HEAD HAND FOOT

To celebrate the global representation of US sculptor Casey McCafferty, Gallery FUMI is pleased to present ‘Head Hand Foot’, his first major solo exhibition in the UK. Running from 9 May, the exhibition will unveil a striking new body of work in carved wood and stone, revealing McCafferty’s extraordinary craftmanship and unorthodox experimentation with natural materials.Intrinsically connected to nature, in the manner of the Shakers in 19th century America, McCafferty carefully hand carves each piece, using raw materials such as ash, walnut red cedar, and stone. Employing direct carving techniques and embracing the unpredictability of his craft, the sculptor allows the natural essence of the materials to shape his creations and guide his creative process, resulting in highly individual, tactile, and powerful pieces. Both figurative and abstract, his work aims to convey a universal language inherent in materials that resonates across civilisations. Merging characters and motifs from mythologies with organic forms and often incorporating elements of human anatomy, McCafferty skilfully intertwines contemporary and ancient narratives to explore the interconnectedness of humanity. Influenced by renowned artists like Henry Moore, Constantin Brancusi, and Barbara Hepworth, his work seeks to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, alluding to universal connections evident throughout history, from Norse to African mythology. Fusing furniture design and sculptural art, the new body of work premiered at Gallery FUMI features a range of bold, multi-dimensional pieces, from tables, stools and mirrors to cabinets and chairs. Each piece showcases intricate details and nuanced textures, exuding both sophistication and rustic authenticity. Standout works in stone and wood include Cairn Table, a unique table crafted from walnut and soapstone, and the non-functional totemic sculpture Head Hand Foot, made from oiled walnut paired with limestone. With this bold combination of materials, the artist takes on new challenges, experimenting here with different skill sets to achieve unprecedented contrasts of texture and colour. Other notable pieces include one-of-a-kind totems and the exquisite Gaeta Cabinet High, all meticulously crafted from ash, and a monumental hanging sculptural totem titled Hag Stones, made from multiple surplus pieces of wood from past projects, including ash, red and grey elm, butternut, walnut, and white oak.