Irena Posner

Irena Posner’s three-dimensional work explores allegory, humor, and playfulness to investigate systems of power and domestication. Working primarily with hand-carved marble—a material rich in classical and cultural significance—she examines themes related to animals, selective breeding, and fetishism. Her sculptures delve into human control, cultural ideals of purity, and the politics involved in display and classification. Posner’s work balances refined craftsmanship with conceptual depth, layering metaphor and wit within forms that feel both familiar and thought-provoking. The tangible presence of her marble pieces grounds the viewer while encouraging reflection on hierarchical structures and how ideology shapes our understanding of nature. Her approach carefully intertwines technical mastery and symbolic resonance, with each sculpture embodying a blend of formal elegance and critical inquiry. By fusing traditional materials with contemporary ideas, Posner invites viewers to reconsider notions of domestication, exhibition, and categorization, subtly challenging the silent authority traditionally associated with marble. ...