US sculptor Casey McCafferty is bringing his abstract creations across the pond with “Head Hand Foot” at Gallery FUMI, his first major solo exhibition in the UK. Running from 9 May through June 29, the exhibition will unveil a striking new body of work in carved wood and stone, revealing McCafferty’s extraordinary craftsmanship and unorthodox experimentation with natural materials.
Portrait of Casey McCafferty (2024); Photo Credit: Joe Kramm, courtesy of Gallery FUMI
Intrinsically connected to nature, in the manner of the Shakers in 19th century America, McCafferty carefully hand carves each piece, using raw materials such as ash, walnut red cedar, and stone. Both figurative and abstract, his work aims to convey a universal language inherent in materials that resonate across civilizations.
Merging characters and motifs from mythologies with organic forms and often incorporating elements of human anatomy, McCafferty skilfully intertwines contemporary and ancient narratives to explore the interconnectedness of humanity. Influenced by renowned artists like Henry Moore, Constantin Brancusi, and Barbara Hepworth, his work seeks to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, alluding to universal connections evident throughout history, from Norse to African mythology.
“My sculptures are tangible embodiments of mythological narratives,” explains McCafferty. “They echo the whispers of forgotten languages, bridging past and present, translating the mysteries of antiquity into a language that speaks to the soul, captures something universally understood, echoes across civilizations and forges connections across time.”
Left: Sculptural Bed Side Table (2024) by Casey McCafferty; Right: Hag Stones (2024) by Casey McCafferty; Photos: Copyright the artist, courtesy of Gallery FUMI
Gaeta Cabinet (Low) (2024) by Casey McCafferty; Photo: Copyright the artist, courtesy of Gallery FUMI
Fusing furniture design and sculptural art, the new body of work premiered at Gallery FUMI features a range of bold, multi-dimensional pieces, from tables, stools and mirrors to cabinets and chairs. Each piece showcases intricate details and nuanced textures, exuding both sophistication and rustic authenticity. Standout works in stone and wood include Cairn Table, a unique table crafted from walnut and soapstone, and the non-functional totemic sculpture Head Hand Foot, made from oiled walnut paired with limestone. With this bold combination of materials, the artist takes on new challenges, experimenting here with different skill sets to achieve unprecedented contrasts of texture and color. Other notable pieces include one-of-a-kind totems and the exquisite Gaeta Cabinet High, all meticulously crafted from ash, and a monumental hanging sculptural totem titled Hag Stones, made from multiple surplus pieces of wood from past projects, including ash, red and grey elm, butternut, walnut, and white oak.
“We are drawn to Casey’s work for his instinctive, almost primal approach to sculpture. He carves everything by hand in his studio, and pulls from a timeless, universal language,” FUMI founders Sam Pratt and Valerio Capo comment. “His works honor the inherent beauty of his chosen materials, whilst blending with contemporary experimentation. This approach is representative of the work that FUMI seeks to celebrate.”
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