Lehmann Maupin presents an exhibition of new and recent work by Tom Friedman, entitled Thinking About What it is Made of. Interested in ideas of perception, materiality, and the purpose of art today, Friedman utilizes everyday materials, including Styrofoam, metal wire, oven roasting pans, wood, and paint to alchemic effect throughout his practice. Thinking about what it’s made of explores both Friedman’s investigation of the figure in art and the process of learning about ourselves. “Thinking about the meaning of the human figure leads me to ask questions about self-knowledge and the mystery of being human—about finding ourselves within ourselves,” states Friedman, “thinking about what we are made of, and what the figures in the exhibition are made of, leads to increased self-awareness and transformation.” Whether made by hand to look industrially produced or cast in a foundry to retain elements of the handmade, Friedman’s work requires careful contemplation to uncover the internal logic, existential questions, and visual puns that hide just beneath his surfaces.

Thinking About What it is Made of brings together recent sculpture, drawing, and wall mounted works. The exhibition is figure focused, with many pieces engaging the idea of the human body in literal and conceptual ways. Created specifically for this presentation, Medium Huddle features eight figures gathered together in a posture of intimacy and discussion. Friedman often works in opposites—the original idea for the Huddle series came after the artist created his monumental Circle Dance, which features 10 people holding hands while moving in a wide, jubilant dance. Where Circle Dance imagines human figures as an open circle, Medium Huddle considers what the reverse might look like. Medium Huddle also reflects Friedman’s deft ability to manipulate scale—while this sculpture stands at three and a half feet, a larger-than-life size Huddle was commissioned by the Dallas Cowboys for their training facility in Frisco.