~ Frudakis ~ 

Two Generations of Sculpture

 

Curator’s Statement

 

Although uncommon, families of artists are not unprecedented in American art. One can only think of the famous Peale family of the early nineteenth century or, closer to our time, the Wyeths of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. There are others as well, and it is not unreasonable to assume that artistic talent involves a genetic component of some kind. The Frudakis family of sculptors certainly possesses such talent, but what sets them apart is a conscious striving for excellence that has been conditioned by their experience as Greek Americans. Reverence for the American Dream has led each of them to excel in their own way.

Confidence in their innate gifts, hard work and unwavering faith in the opportunities afforded by life in America have enabled each of the Frudakises to claim a place among the leading sculptors of the classical tradition.

The Greek spirit in art seems to draw little distinction between imaginary subjects and real ones, so long as they are well observed and truthfully expressed. Each of the Frudakises has striven to become a master of technique while pursuing his or her own vision of what good sculpture should embody. Highly esteemed in ancient Greece, the concept of individual excellence has been not only encouraged, but actively fostered in America, where we subscribe to the belief that hard work and merit is the key to success. Although our present climate of postmodern cynicism tends to cast doubt on this hopeful idea, we have only to examine the Frudakises’ story -and their art- to know that worthy dreams may still be realized in this country.

 

V. Scott Dimond

Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley