Talk

Sculptor Tom Friedman makes the ordinary extraordinary. He often does this by playing with certain characteristics of a familiar object—its properties or representation—and turning its common and insignificant properties into something notable and arresting.

Part philosopher, part craftsman with a sense of humor, Friedman also pays acute attention to how both everyday items and works of art are perceived. For viewers looking at Friedman’s work one of the first questions that often springs to mind is, “How did he do that?” His work has been presented in numerous exhibitions in the United States and abroad, including the Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design (2008); Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, St Louis (2006); South London Gallery, London (2004); and Fondazione Prada, Milan (2002).

Now in its 14th year, the “Public Art Fund Talks” is an ongoing series of discussions and presentations by some of today’s most influential artists, critics, and curators. This event is presented by the Public Art Fund in association with the Vera List Center for Art and Politics.