Tanya Preminger's sculptures challenge our perceptions of everyday objects by transforming them into solid, enduring forms carved from stone.
Tanya Preminger is an artist who transforms everyday objects into thought-provoking sculptures using materials like marble and onyx. Her work explores themes of permanence, routine, and the unexpected, offering viewers new perspectives on the mundane.
Her works, such as "Fundamental Meal," "Cake," and "At Breakfast," juxtapose the familiar with the unexpected, inviting viewers to reconsider the nature of the objects they encounter in daily life. By rendering these objects in materials like marble and onyx, Preminger creates a dialogue between the ephemeral and the eternal, adding layers of meaning to what might otherwise be considered ordinary items.
Explore our curated selection of contemporary artists from around the globe.
Naturalist Gallery offers artist representation internationally. Apply your art.
"Fundamental Meal" (2000)
Fundamental Meal, Tanya Preminger, 2000, marble and wood, 11 x 39 x 39 cm. / 4.3 x 15.3 x 15.3 in.
"Fundamental Meal" is a thought-provoking piece that transforms the brain, a symbol of intellect and thought, into a stone object served on a wooden plate. The use of marble to represent the brain suggests both the weight and permanence of knowledge. Preminger’s choice of a wooden plate further emphasizes the contrast between the organic and the eternal. The piece invites viewers to reflect on the role of knowledge in our lives—how it is consumed, digested, and ultimately how it shapes our existence. The stark simplicity of the piece belies the complex ideas it represents, making it a powerful statement on the fundamental nature of human thought.
"Cake" (1996)
Cake, Tanya Preminger, 1996, onyx and candles, 16 x 18 x 18 cm. / 6.2 x 7 x 7 in.
In "Cake," Preminger plays with the idea of celebration and indulgence by creating a birthday cake out of onyx, a material that is anything but sweet or fleeting. The stone's natural striations mimic the layers of a cake, while the delicate candles on top add a touch of irony—after all, who would blow out candles on a stone cake? This piece speaks to the tension between the desire for celebration and the harsh realities of life. The permanence of the stone contrasts sharply with the temporary nature of a birthday celebration, suggesting that the things we celebrate may be fleeting, but the memories (and perhaps the consequences) endure.
"At Breakfast" (2002)
At Breakfast, Tanya Preminger, 2002, mug and marble, 9 x 16 x 12 cm. / 3.5 x 6.2 x 4.7 in.
"At Breakfast" is another example of Preminger’s ability to imbue everyday objects with deeper meaning. Here, she presents a simple mug with what appears to be foam on top, but upon closer inspection, the foam is actually marble. This playful twist on the morning ritual of coffee or tea elevates the mundane into something worthy of contemplation. The contrast between the delicate, ephemeral nature of foam and the solidity of marble creates a tension that invites the viewer to reflect on the nature of daily routines—how something as simple as a morning beverage can be both comforting and monotonous. Preminger’s work encourages us to find meaning in the small moments of life, even as it reminds us of their transient nature.
Tanya Preminger’s sculptures are masterful in their ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. By rendering everyday objects in materials like marble and onyx, she challenges viewers to see beyond the surface and consider the deeper implications of the things they often take for granted. Her work is a testament to the power of art to provoke thought and inspire new ways of seeing the world around us. Through her unique approach, Preminger has created a body of work that is both playful and profound, leaving a lasting impression on those who encounter it.
Learn more About Naturalist Gallery of Contemporary Art.
Boot, Tanya Preminger, 1995, marble and thread, 35 x 12 x 30 cm. / 13.7 x 4.7 x 11.8 in.
You may also find the following articles helpful:
The 14 Essential Artists of Impressionism
Expressionism: 20 Iconic Paintings & Their Artists
Renaissance Art: Origins, Influences, and Key Figures
Classical Art Movement: Exploring the History, Artists, and Artworks
Figurative Art: Understanding, Collecting, and Appreciating the Style
Daily Routines of Famous Artists: Learn from the Masters
Top 12 Controversial Artworks That Changed Art History