Description

In collaboration with Nanzuka, Tokyo and Petzel Gallery, New York, Case Studyo is delighted present 'Lisa', a new edition in bronze by the late Joyce Pensato (1941-2019). Lisa, based on the cartoon series "The Simpsons", is a force of intense emotion; precariously balanced between pure elation and derangement, a unique affect essential to Pensato's practice. The bulging eyes with pinpoint pupils and the maniacal smile signify a character on the brink of insanity. The artist's signature scrawling, expressionistic application of paint, in conversation with the tactile weightiness of bronze, gives an entirely new dimension and depth to Pensato's work. The tension of the piece lies in the naturally repellant forms of the wholesome cartoon character and the severity of style – more closely resembling the aesthetics of black metal, Franz Kline or Francis Bacon than the minimalistic line work of cartoonists. Pensato's characters confront the psychological breaks in composure that we attempt to keep hidden, a reflection of the cracks in the American façade that we wholly apparent today. The artist made her first bronze edition "Snowball Mickey" with Case Studyo in 2019 and selected three more works to translate into bronze to benefit The Joyce Pensato Foundation posthumously. This is the first of the three. Bronze/silver plated. Black patinated, clear varnish. Edition of 20 + 4 AP's. 11,8 x 11,8 x 9,8 inches / 30 x 30 x 25 cm. A custom screen printed wood box and a Certificate of Authenticity.