Formally Speaking

Michael Sperer

Silicon cream cakes covered in whipped cream are placed in a circle, and even before coming near them, an absurd air of celebration emanates from them - dancing in a circle. From up close, it becomes apparent how artificial and synthetic they are; how seductive and compelling and yet ridiculous and farfetched. 

The decorated whipped cream cakes hint at pop art and the gigantic food sculptures of Claes Oldenburg, while also responding to the Dutch still life overflowing with food from the 17th century. The very circular placement of the sculptures and the association of dance which emanates from the work also recall Jackson Pollock, the iconic cliché of the painter painting as he dances around his canvas. This is contrary to the cauliflowers and the potatoes Michael Sperer previously exhibited, as even in reality, whipped cream cakes seem to be extravagantly exaggerated, and exist as a decoration rather than nourishment. Wedding and birthday cakes have always aimed at being beautiful, luxurious and brilliant. Thus, cake designers use painting practices to decorate the culinary treat: decorative motifs, ornaments, layers, food coloring, and in general - a celebration of the lack of functionality.

When Sperer brings the cakes back into the art world, he dissolves painting into sculpture and hybridizes illusory sculptural techniques with ornamentation - the two poles of artistic practice. He fused the raspberries and kiwi slivers, the strawberry glaze and chocolate decorations, until it is no longer possible to distinguish between the material and the form, between the image and decoration.

Born in Israel, 1975; lives and works in Tel Aviv