Tony Natsoulas: Artist Heroes

February 8 - June 29, 2025

 

Contemporary Gallery

 

The counterculture revolution of the 1960s produced more than anti-war protests, long hair, and flower power. It also impacted art forms where rebellion against the status quo manifested new art movements and modes of expression. The Funk Art Movement, born in Northern California in the early 1960s, defined a dynamic period of artistic upheaval that was particularly influential in developing contemporary American ceramics.  

 

Ceramist and educator Robert Arneson (1930-1992) led the charge of the Funk Art Movement from the University of California, Davis, where, beginning in 1962, he taught ceramics from the famous TB-9 classroom building. Known for his work in self-portraiture, Arneson brought exciting new ideas and nonconventional attitudes to the field of ceramics which was dominated at the time by more traditional pottery practices. Exhibiting artist Tony Natsoulas (b. 1959) was a student of Arneson in his UC Davis TB-9 building and adeptly continues the Funk Clay Movement of the 1960s into the 21st century.  

 

Natsoulas writes, “The exhibition Artist Heroes is a tribute to individuals whose actions embody the essence of heroism in its truest form. Through the art of sculpting, I have immortalized the remarkable figures who have dedicated their lives to making a positive impact on the world. From the trailblazing Annie Lennox and the benevolent Carlos Santana to the courageous Josephine Baker, each person featured in this collection embodies the spirit of heroism through their philanthropic endeavors and unwavering advocacy for social justice. Additionally, I have included representations of my personal heroes, such as the iconic Marx Brothers, the indomitable Rosalind Russell as Auntie Mame, and the vibrant Carmen Miranda. Artist Heroes is a visual narrative celebrating the profound influence of these exceptional individuals who inspire us all to strive for a better world.”

 

Exhibition Curator: Michele Ellis Pracy, FAM  Executive Director & Chief Curator

 

Images: Tony Natsoulos, A Thousand Beautiful Things (Portrait of Annie Lennox), 2021, Ceramic, wood, found metal legs, and neon by Tesla neon, 73″ x 53″ x 23″ | Why a duck (Portrait of the Marx Brothers), 2019, Ceramic Wall piece, 28"  x 18" x 12" each mask | Detail from Tall, coffee skin, ebony eyes, legs of paradise, a smile to end all smiles (Portrait of Josephine Baker), 2024, Ceramic, glass marbles, wood and metal 96 " x 39" x 39", All works courtesy of the Artist 

 

General Exhibition Support for Winter/Spring 2025 Season: Kaye Bonner  Cummings, Dick and Lu Caglia, The Donald & Judith Peracchi Fund of the Central Valley Community Foundation, A Friend of the Museum, A Friend of the Museum, Barbara Marsella, Harold and Janice Nikoghosian, David and MaryAnne Esajian