Jim Rennert is an American artist
best known for his immediately identifiable and simplified figures and forms
depicting men in suits. He spent 10 years as a businessman but was finally
inspired to embark on his artistic path as a sculptor in 1990. His recent work
has been focused on his past experiences in the competitive world of business.
Mixing the traditional medium of bronze and contemporary forms of flat
laser-cut steel, Rennert has illustrated themes and concepts of everyday work
life. There are also briefcases, ladders, suits, and forms resembling buildings, all
of which are an iconic visual representation of the business. He has also used
sports and other physical activities as a metaphor to express the daily
struggles and achievements of the contemporary businessman. While not everyone
wears a suit or is a businessman, Rennert’s works transcend their seemingly
narrow subject, allowing the audience to relate to the sculptures in a very
personal manner.
Featured image: Jim Rennert - Inner Dialogue,
2014 (detail). Bronze and Steel. 24 × 9 × 10 in. 61 × 22.9 × 25.4 cm. Edition
of 9. Photo courtesy Whistler Contemporary