A New Golden Age
Recently added category to my official website
The artists featured in A New Golden Age represent the forefront of contemporary figurative and representational art. With a passionate commitment to innovation, they are recreating universal artistic practices, blending first-principles techniques with fresh themes. These exceptional artists challenge the boundaries of their mediums, breathing new life into representational sculpture, painting, and drawing, all while maintaining a deep reverence for human vision and experience. Through their work, they are creating a new chapter in the history of art, displaying their talent, vision, and dedication to a new Golden Age of art.
Melissa Hefferlin
Melissa Hefferlin is an American figurative artist, known for her still life and figurative work. She draws on a diverse artistic background, having studied both in the United States and at the Russian Academy in Leningrad during the Soviet era. Influenced by Soviet Realism and Impressionism, Hefferlin also credits California artist Michael Newberry for shaping her artistic approach. Her current work includes still life and figurative pieces, alongside an exploration of Spanish culture, including flamenco and equestrian subjects. In addition to her artwork, she has authored a book on Russian painting and has been featured in prominent art publications​.
https://www.melissahefferlin.com/
Sabin Howard
Sabin Howard is a renowned American sculptor best known for his monumental works that blend classical tradition with modern sensibilities. His most famous piece, The Soldier’s Journey, is a dramatic and emotive World War I memorial that was unveiled in 2024 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The sculpture, which features life-sized figures in dynamic poses, captures the physical and emotional toll of war, honoring the courage and sacrifice of soldiers. Howard’s ability to evoke powerful human narratives through detailed, expressive figures has established him as a leading figure in contemporary figurative sculpture.
https://sabinhoward.com/
Abiodun Olaku
Abiodun Olaku is a Nigerian artist renowned for his evocative twilight landscapes, which explore the interplay of light and shadow, often depicting serene yet dramatic scenes of dusk and dawn. His work is deeply rooted in African cultural themes, while his stylistic influences reflect both Western and indigenous traditions. Olaku’s art captures the nuanced transitions between day and night, symbolizing the passage of time and the connection between humanity and the natural world. His mastery of color, composition, and his attention to atmospheric detail have earned him recognition in both local and international art circles. Through his vivid portrayals of twilight, he invites viewers to experience a sense of calm and contemplation, bridging the gap between realism and poetic abstraction. https://www.facebook.com/abiodun.olaku
Martine Vaugel
Martine Vaugel is an American sculptor based in France, renowned for her figurative and portrait sculptures. With a career that spans several decades, she has achieved international recognition, winning awards such as the International Rodin Grand Prize Monumental Figure Competition in 1990 and 1992. Her works are displayed in prominent collections, including the Hakone Open Air Museum in Japan and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in the U.S. Vaugel’s portrait sculptures include figures of famous personalities such as John Lennon and Ronald Reagan. Alongside her sculpting practice, she has taught at various art institutions, including the New York Academy of Art, and has established sculpture schools in California, North Carolina, New York, and France. Now living in the Loire Valley, she continues to create and is working on establishing a museum dedicated to her work. https://mail.vaugelsculpture.com/en/
Explore the work of these remarkable artists and dive deeper into the innovative world of contemporary representational art. Discover how they are shaping the future of art today and let their work inspire you. Visit their personal websites to learn more about their processes, upcoming exhibitions, and artistic visions.
Note: I hope to add about 100 artists to this special page on my website.
I’m thrilled you are doing this series, to introduce us to a curated collection of works that impress you. I have commented before on the brilliant unparalleled work depicting WW1. We had lost the ability of achieving historical monuments of the past until this work was unveiled, what a masterpiece. I was blown away by the work of Martine Vaugel, again a piece worthy of the Rodin gallery. The mastery of form and excellence of the bronze medium gave me goosebumps, truly. I will research her further. Thank you for curating this collection of promise. Cheers, Lauren
Thank you for the introduction to these wonderful artists; I am so appreciative of your ceaseless promotion of beautiful art. I love that you are collecting them to share with us who are hungry for something sublime.