People love art for different reasons. Typically, it is because it has an emotional pull, eliciting a reaction. However, some artists specifically aim to challenge the viewer, questioning what they see (perception) and what they know (epistemology). Serge Firer is a master of this, offering suggestions of forms but with fantasy elements and colours to inspire the imagination.
History
Serge Firer was born in 1954 in Gorky, now Nizhny Novgorod. It is one of the largest cities in Russia, a centre for art, science, and culture. Serge’s father was an artist, beginning Firer’s education in his own studio.
Firer was captivated by art and the chance to be creative. He went on to attend art school and art college in Gorky, graduating from both.
In 1990, Firer made the decision to move to Canada. He still lives there today, and has a studio in Toronto. Visitors can enjoy demonstrations and workshops here, whether they are new beginners or artists looking to try new techniques like relief, monoprint, and Intaglio. There are production facilities at the studio too, including etching presses and an aquatint box.
Over the years, Serge Firer has had exhibitions of his work all around the world. Pieces are in the hands of many private collectors today. There are also collections in Jerusalem and Moscow.
What do you see and what do you know?
Firer himself says in his artist statement, “in the space that exists between dream and reality, a strange energy is born”. The state of mind evolves, taking him to a “whimsical world” that has very little resemblance to our reality. You can experience this world, and how it “ignores the bounds of gravity, space and time” in his art.
Art critic Peter Frank said “reality and pure pattern co-exist, at once stably and uneasily” in Firer’s work. A combination of styles, including elements of modernism, impressionism, expressionism, and surrealism show his “eclectic artistic personality”.
Frank goes on to say that Firer is asking us, the audience, “to depend on our eyes but not to trust them”. The pieces show us things are what they seem but also not at the same time. So, they challenge perception and epistemology.
Do you want a piece of Serge Firer art for your collection?
Charter Prints has some beautiful pieces by Serge Firer, including signed, numbered etchings. They are in impeccable condition. You can have a look on our website today if you want to see them. Then, if you would like to enquire about purchasing, you can contact us.