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Sara Berman

Lapdogs and Fools

November 23, 2024January 25, 2025

Gallery III

This image illustrates a link to the exhibition titled Sara Berman: Lapdogs and Fools

Press Release

Installation photo credit: Jeff McLane

Opening Reception: Saturday, November 23, 4-6 pm

Vielmetter Los Angeles is pleased to present Lapdogs and Fools, London-based artist Sara Berman’s first solo exhibition with the gallery on view from November 23, 2024 to January 25, 2025.

The exhibition features a close-knit and captivating collection of recent oil paintings on linen and a short film collaboration with filmmaker Clare Macdonald.

Working with the trope of the Harlequin as “Trickster Whore,” Berman examines the societal constructs of the female experience. Continuing her exploration and personification of the Harlequin within her paintings, Berman further reimagines herself as other various characters: the Pierrot, the Fool, the Hoodie, the Aviatrix, the Renaissance Man, and the Fencer. Berman uses these performative characters as a type of auto-fiction to further fuel a narrative that boldly seeks to challenge the construct of the female experience and rejects the objectification of women.

The delicacy of the presentation, grounded in soft hues, graceful brushwork, and filigreed layering, supposes a gentle aesthetic that belies the violent physicality of its making and the immediacy of the figures themselves. Within the paintings, the figures are hidden in plain sight; caught in various poses and postures, assuming the gaze. The characters depicted convey a tragicomical gamut of emotions: fear, grace, longing, and loss, allowing for a confrontational but reflective visual engagement.

While primarily a painter, Berman’s practice also includes textiles, weaving, and the construction/ deconstruction of costumes (which often appear in the paintings and reflect her former career as a fashion designer). She also collaborates with filmmakers — wherein such films become part of the fabric of the work. In her most recent collaborative film, entitled Lapdogs and Fools, Berman and filmmaker and fellow artist Clare Macdonald investigate the complex, wearing, sometimes intolerable conditions of existing as queer, non-male artists and mothers. Together, they realize a beautiful but absurd world where the rules of existence feel very real, and the endeavor of the central character to navigate this world is punishing and irrational.

Aiming to reflect our current times while incorporating historical influences, Berman’s practice addresses the personal, the political, the celebration, and the horrors of being who we are as individuals in this moment of our collective history.

About the artist

Sara Berman, born in the UK in 1975, obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Design from Central Saint Martins in 1999. Subsequently, she founded and managed her eponymous fashion brand for 15 years. In 2016, Sara Berman completed her Master of Fine Arts in Painting at the Slade School of Fine Art. Berman has exhibited her work in London, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Milan, Miami, New York, Palm Beach, and Rotterdam; most recently in group presentations at Hauser & Wirth, London, Cedric Bardawil, London, Volta, London and Larsen Warner, Stockholm. Her paintings are included in such collections and institutions as AMOCA Wales, the House of KOKO in London, the Poort Visser Collection in the Netherlands, and The Maison Estelle in London. Sara Berman currently lives and works in London.

Sara Berman
“Roadman,” 2024
Oil on linen
47 ¹⁄₄" x 47 ¹⁄₄" [HxW] (120 x 120 cm)
Inventory #SAR1031
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Richard IveyInquire
This image depicts an artwork by Sara Berman titled "Roadman." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 47 ¹⁄₄" x 47 ¹⁄₄" [HxW] (120 x 120 cm). Its medium is Oil on linen.
Sara Berman
“The Fool 4,” 2024
Oil on linen
14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm)
Inventory #SAR1039
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Richard IveyInquire
This image depicts an artwork by Sara Berman titled "The Fool 4." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm). Its medium is Oil on linen.
Sara Berman
“Aviatrix 7,” 2024
Oil on linen
14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm)
Inventory #SAR1038
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Richard IveyInquire
This image depicts an artwork by Sara Berman titled "Aviatrix 7." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm). Its medium is Oil on linen.
Sara Berman
“Pierrot 5,” 2024
Oil on linen
14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm)
Inventory #SAR1042
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Richard IveyInquire
This image depicts an artwork by Sara Berman titled "Pierrot 5." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm). Its medium is Oil on linen.
Sara Berman
“Aviatrix 1,” 2024
Oil on linen
14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm)
Inventory #SAR1036
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Richard IveyInquire
This image depicts an artwork by Sara Berman titled "Aviatrix 1." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm). Its medium is Oil on linen.
Sara Berman
“The Fool 7,” 2024
Oil on linen
14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm)
Inventory #SAR1046
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Richard IveyInquire
This image depicts an artwork by Sara Berman titled "The Fool 7." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm). Its medium is Oil on linen.
Sara Berman
“Aviatrix 6,” 2024
Oil on linen
14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm)
Inventory #SAR1037
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Richard IveyInquire
This image depicts an artwork by Sara Berman titled "Aviatrix 6." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm). Its medium is Oil on linen.
Sara Berman
“Hoodie 7,” 2024
Oil on linen
14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm)
Inventory #SAR1044
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Richard IveyInquire
This image depicts an artwork by Sara Berman titled "Hoodie 7." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm). Its medium is Oil on linen.
Sara Berman
“Pierrot 6,” 2024
Oil on linen
14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm)
Inventory #SAR1018
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Richard IveyInquire
This image depicts an artwork by Sara Berman titled "Pierrot 6." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm). Its medium is Oil on linen.
Sara Berman
“The Fool 6,” 2024
Oil on linen
14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm)
Inventory #SAR1041
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Richard IveyInquire
This image depicts an artwork by Sara Berman titled "The Fool 6." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm). Its medium is Oil on linen.
Sara Berman
“Fencer 3,” 2024
Oil on linen
14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm)
Inventory #SAR1045
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Richard IveyInquire
This image depicts an artwork by Sara Berman titled "Fencer 3." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm). Its medium is Oil on linen.
Sara Berman
“Hoodie 6,” 2024
Oil on linen
14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm)
Inventory #SAR1043
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Richard IveyInquire
This image depicts an artwork by Sara Berman titled "Hoodie 6." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm). Its medium is Oil on linen.
Sara Berman
“The Fool 5,” 2024
Oil on linen
14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm)
Inventory #SAR1040
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Richard IveyInquire
This image depicts an artwork by Sara Berman titled "The Fool 5." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 14 ⁹⁄₁₆" x 11 ⁷⁄₃₂" [HxW] (37 x 28.5 cm). Its medium is Oil on linen.
Sara Berman
“The Fool 2,” 2024
Oil on linen
51 ³⁄₁₆" x 23 ⁵⁄₈" [HxW] (130 x 60 cm)
Inventory #SAR1023
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Richard IveyInquire
This image depicts an artwork by Sara Berman titled "The Fool 2." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 51 ³⁄₁₆" x 23 ⁵⁄₈" [HxW] (130 x 60 cm). Its medium is Oil on linen.
Sara Berman
“The Fool 1,” 2024
Oil on linen
66 ¹⁵⁄₁₆" x 66 ¹⁵⁄₁₆" [HxW] (170 x 170 cm)
Inventory #SAR1026
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Richard IveyInquire
This image depicts an artwork by Sara Berman titled "The Fool 1." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 66 ¹⁵⁄₁₆" x 66 ¹⁵⁄₁₆" [HxW] (170 x 170 cm). Its medium is Oil on linen.
Sara Berman
“The Fool 3,” 2024
Oil on linen
47 ¹⁄₄" x 47 ¹⁄₄" [HxW] (120 x 120 cm)
Inventory #SAR1032
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Richard IveyInquire
This image depicts an artwork by Sara Berman titled "The Fool 3." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 47 ¹⁄₄" x 47 ¹⁄₄" [HxW] (120 x 120 cm). Its medium is Oil on linen.
Sara Berman
“Hoodie 5,” 2024
Oil on linen
39 ³⁄₈" x 39 ³⁄₈" [HxW] (100 x 100 cm)
Inventory #SAR1027
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Richard IveyInquire
This image depicts an artwork by Sara Berman titled "Hoodie 5." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 39 ³⁄₈" x 39 ³⁄₈" [HxW] (100 x 100 cm). Its medium is Oil on linen.
Sara Berman
“Renaissance Man 1,” 2024
Oil on linen
47 ¹⁄₄" x 47 ¹⁄₄" [HxW] (120 x 120 cm)
Inventory #SAR1014
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Richard IveyInquire
This image depicts an artwork by Sara Berman titled "Renaissance Man 1." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 47 ¹⁄₄" x 47 ¹⁄₄" [HxW] (120 x 120 cm). Its medium is Oil on linen.
Sara Berman
“Aviatrix 5,” 2024
Oil on linen
39 ³⁄₈" x 39 ³⁄₈" [HxW] (100 x 100 cm)
Inventory #SAR1028
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Richard IveyInquire
This image depicts an artwork by Sara Berman titled "Aviatrix 5." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 39 ³⁄₈" x 39 ³⁄₈" [HxW] (100 x 100 cm). Its medium is Oil on linen.
Sara Berman
“Aviatrix 3,” 2024
Oil on linen
51 ³⁄₁₆" x 31 ¹⁄₂" [HxW] (130 x 80 cm)
Inventory #SAR1030
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Richard IveyInquire
This image depicts an artwork by Sara Berman titled "Aviatrix 3." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 51 ³⁄₁₆" x 31 ¹⁄₂" [HxW] (130 x 80 cm). Its medium is Oil on linen.
Sara Berman
“Aviatrix 4,” 2024
Oil on linen
51 ³⁄₁₆" x 31 ¹⁄₂" [HxW] (130 x 80 cm)
Inventory #SAR1029
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Photo credit: Richard IveyInquire
This image depicts an artwork by Sara Berman titled "Aviatrix 4." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 51 ³⁄₁₆" x 31 ¹⁄₂" [HxW] (130 x 80 cm). Its medium is Oil on linen.
Sara Berman, Clare Macdonald
“Lapdogs and Fools,” 2024
iPhone 12 - 4K - 24fps, unique vintage linen, speakers
TRT: 08:55 mins
Edition 1 of 5, 3 AP
Inventory #SAR1022.01
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los AngelesInquire
This image depicts an artwork by Sara Berman, Clare Macdonald titled "Lapdogs and Fools." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures TRT: 08:55 mins. Its medium is iPhone 12 - 4K - 24fps, unique vintage linen, speakers.

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