- Art & Design
With a reverent nod to the timeless artisans of days gone by, Casey McCafferty enters the Gallery FUMI stage with a magisterial symphony of wood and stone. His first solo exhibition in the UK, titled "Head Hand Foot", celebrates the global representation of this American sculptor, and promises an exploration through his unorthodox experiments.

Deeply rooted in the beauty of Mother Nature, McCafferty harks back to the essence of craftsmanship, entirely in line with the traditions of the Shakers of 19th-century America. Each piece is carefully hand-carved from raw materials such as ash, walnut, red cedar and stone. His sculptures, both figurative and abstract, seek to embody a universal language inherent in the materials themselves, resonating across civilisations. 
Mixing characters and motifs from mythologies with organic forms and elements of human anatomy, McCafferty effortlessly weaves together contemporary and ancient narratives, aiming to explore the interconnectedness of humanity. His inspirations, ranging from Henry Moore to Constantin Brancusi to Barbara Hepworth, reflect a desire to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, pointing to universal connections that have persisted throughout history, from Norse to African mythology.
‘I want my sculptures to be tangible embodiments of mythical stories," McCafferty explains. "They echo like whispers of forgotten languages, building bridges between past and present, translating the mysteries of antiquity into a language that speaks to the soul, capturing something universally understood and echoing across civilisations, forging connections across time.’ 
McCafferty's journey to mastery began without formal art training, but with a deep love of nature
In his latest creations, presented at Gallery FUMI, McCafferty fuses furniture design with sculptural art, with bold, multidimensional pieces ranging from tables and stools to mirrors, cabinets and chairs. Each piece reveals intriguing details and nuanced textures, exuding both sophistication and rustic authenticity.
Gallery FUMI founders Sam Pratt and Valerio Capo share their admiration for McCafferty's work: ‘We are drawn to Casey's work because of his instinctive, almost primitive approach to sculpture.He carves everything by hand in his studio, and draws on a timeless, universal language. His works honour the inherent beauty of his chosen materials, while fusing them with contemporary experimentation. This approach represents the work that FUMI celebrates.’
McCafferty's journey to mastery began without formal art training, but with a deep love of nature and an insatiable urge to shape his inner world. As a self-taught artist, he shaped himself through hands-on experience and absorbing skills from friends and mentors. His sculptures are not only works of art but also reflections of a lifelong search for connection, both to the material world and to the human spirit. 
This is not just another exhibition; it is a celebration of craftsmanship, imagination and the timeless power of creativity.It reminds us that art, in all its forms, has the power to build bridges between past and present, between people and cultures, and connect us to something greater than ourselves.
All images courtesy of Gallery FUMI, © Casey McCafferty
Installation photography by Tom Wright PenguinsEgg Studio