PRESS RELEASE

January 20, 2025

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CUSP GALLERY Presents Sculptor Christina Zwart’s Stunning Installation “La Pucelle” opening February 8, 2025

 

Newport, RI – CUSP GALLERY is proud to announce the presentation of sculptor Christina Zwart’s provocative installation, La Pucelle, opening Saturday, February 8, 2025. This intricate, awe-inspiring piece brings the legendary figure of Joan of Arc to life through an imaginative and symbolic interpretation, highlighting Zwart’s mastery in blending the natural world with historical narrative.

 

La Pucelle—French for “The Maiden”—depicts Joan of Arc, the visionary warrior who, at the age of 17, led the French army to victory against the British at the Battle of Orléans in 1429. A bold and unflinching figure of history, Joan’s youth and unshakable faith made her a symbol of courage and resilience, yet her life was tragically cut short when she was captured, tried for her beliefs, and burned at the stake.

 

Zwart’s striking installation encapsulates Joan’s duality as both a fierce leader and an innocent youth. The sculpture portrays Joan in full armor, but with a stunning twist: her armor is intricately formed from horseshoe crabs, a nod to both the natural world and her warrior spirit. Crab tails create a spiky collar that surrounds her neck, while their silvery, reflective shells shield her body, forming a unique chainmail that sweeps out into an ethereal bustle. Joan grasps a bloodied broadsword, reinforcing her role as a warrior while also suggesting the tragedy and violence of her fate.

 

Zwart’s choice of the horseshoe crab as a material reflects both historical and ecological resonance, symbolizing Joan’s resilience, her connection to the earth, and the idea of protection. The use of the crab’s natural form to craft Joan’s armor elevates her to a mythic level, melding the human with the natural in a powerful expression of strength and fragility.

 

Christina Zwart’s La Pucelle invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of heroism, faith, and the clash between innocence and power. The work not only honors Joan of Arc’s indomitable spirit but also raises questions about how women throughout history have been both revered and persecuted for their visions.

 

The exhibition will be on display starting February 8, 2025, at CUSP GALLERY, located at 51 Touro St., Newport, RI. The gallery will be open Friday through Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM, and by appointment starting February 8. 

 

For more information about Christina Zwart and her work, or to arrange a press visit, please contact CUSP GALLERY at curtis@cuspgallery.com.

 

 

 

About CUSP GALLERY:

Located in Newport, Rhode Island, CUSP GALLERY is dedicated to presenting innovative contemporary art that engages and challenges traditional narratives. By showcasing emerging and established artists, CUSP GALLERY provides a platform for unique voices in the art world, offering an intimate space for creative expression and dialogue.