LONDON.- “Art is an encounter with the unexpected that can extend our capacity for experiencing ourselves and the unknown.” Helaine Blumenfeld VPRBS.

The first woman to be awarded the ‘International Sculpture Prize: Pietrasanta and Versilia in the World’, Blumenfeld is the Vice President of the Royal British Society of Sculptors, celebrates her achievement with an exhibition of 14 recent works at its galleries in London. Blumenfeld’s energy is extraordinary and the works in this show are testimony to her continual process of reinvention around thematic concerns that have remained constant since her first solo show in 1966.

“These ambitious forms, which consist of four, five or six figures layered around a central space, make a powerful statement about the complexity of human involvement. They are some of the most visionary sculptures that she has ever produced and imply that by joining together in a creative way - a way which allows for intimacy and distance, strength and tenderness – we can become far greater than the sum of our parts.” 1

It is, in part, this philosophy which lies beneath Blumenfeld’s passionate support of the Royal British Society of Sculptors (RBS). Established over 100 years ago the Society promotes the pursuit of excellence in sculptural practice and aims to inspire, inform and engage people with sculpture. Blumenfeld is generously donating her profits from sales to the Society in support of its plans to redevelop its galleries and facilities for the next century.

“At a time when society is bombarded constantly by information masquerading as knowledge, and by transient and trivial gratification posing as a means of genuine fulfillment, Helaine Blumenfeld’s sculpture offers the real thing. As President of the Royal British Society of Sculptors, I congratulate Helaine Blumenfeld on her remarkable achievements.

I am in no doubt that this work will serve as an inspiration and that it offers further and conclusive proof – if any is needed – that sculpture is a powerful and uplifting force, more necessary now than ever." Professor Brian Falconbridge, PRBS.