Plaster Casting in the Bronx

I associated plaster casting with groupies more than artists until I saw a superb exhibition of work by John Ahearn and Rigoberto Torres at the Bronx Museum.  Their subjects for the past for the past 50 years have mostly been people of color who live in the neighborhood. 

Joe Conzo at 17 by John Ahearn (2020)

Omar by John Ahearn (2011)

The Graduates: Bashira and Princess by John Ahearn (1989-90)

Torres began as Ahearn's assistant but soon became a full collaborator.  Born in Puerto Rico, his ethnicity helped Ahearn gain access to an overlooked community that may have been suspicious of his motives.

Maria by Rigoberto Torres (1993)

Perhaps it's projection, but Ahearn's preferred subjects appear to be attractive young men.

The sculptures are so realistic that the faces can change dramatically in profile.

BB by John Ahearn (1979)

Scorpio by John Ahearn (2008)

Willy by John Ahearn (1985)

Corey by John Ahearn & Rigoberto Torres (1988)

Raymond and Toby by John Ahearn and Rigoberto Torres (1991)

Julio, José, and Junito by Rigoberto Torres (1991/95)

Julia de Burgos by Rigoberto Torres (2021)

Melissa Maycock by Rigoberto Torres (1997)

Maria by John Ahearn with Rigoberto Torres (1981)

Janelle and Audrey by John Ahearn with Rigoberto Torres (1983)

 Selena by John Ahearn with Rigoberto Torres (1985)

Carmen and Erica by Rigoberto Torres (1998)

The curators gave the galleries a community feel by setting up a domino board and a face painting station.

More elaborate sculptures enhanced the feel.

"Uncle Tito at the Liquor Store" by Rigoberto Torres (1983/1995)

Orlando the Donut Man by John Ahearn and Rigoberto Torres (1987)

Fortune Teller by Rigoberto Torres (1995)

A video shot by Ahearn's twin brother, Charlie, provides insight into their process and the excitement their work generates among their subjects.

Luis and Virginia Arroyo by John Ahearn (1980)

I can't say for sure, but I think Shorty may have helped them create their collaborative art, too.

Shorty Working at the C&R Statuary Corp." by Rigoberto Torres (1985)