Bernar Venet
dal 16/10/2002 al 20/11/2002
Segnalato da
16/10/2002
Bernar Venet
Robert Miller Gallery, New York
These recent large-scale steel sculptures are continuations of the series begun by the artist in 1979 entitled ''Indeterminate Lines''. Always unilinear, the sculptures are made of single, unwelded pieces of steel with no added elements, constituting a departure from the tradition of constructed, assembled, compositional sculpture
The Robert Miller Gallery is pleased to present its first exhibition of sculptures and drawings by Bernar Venet.
These recent large-scale steel sculptures are continuations of the series begun by the artist in 1979 entitled "Indeterminate Lines." Always unilinear, the "Indeterminate Lines" are made of single, unwelded pieces of steel with no added elements, constituting a departure from the tradition of constructed, assembled, compositional sculpture. The lines, curving in on themselves like script, strongly imply movement and agility, surprising in what one imagines as an intractable, heavy material. An enlargement of a particular linear gesture, each "Indeterminate Line" has its own character. Indeed, Venet believes that a sculpture should have its own identity, and that it should be able to preserve that identity everywhere.
Yet this individuality is not intended as solely interesting in itself. Venet does not encourage us to see his "Indeterminate Lines" as expressive. The tightly twisted lengths of these works have little to do with expressive gesture or autobiographical signature; rather, they constitute a permanent, dynamic record of the forces exercised upon the material. Placed on the ground, the pieces settle into their final position in a compromise with gravity. Each piece engenders its own space; each invests that space in a different way. His sculpture does not seek a compromise with space, but imposes itself upon it, and willingly acts as a transfiguring force.
* * *
Born in France in 1941, Bernar Venet has worked since the early 1960s simultaneously in the fields of sculpture, painting, photography, film, poetry, design and sound and stage performance. His works are included in, private, public and museum collections worldwide. He maintains studios in New York and France.
Upcoming projects include a sculpture exhibition at the Atlantic Center for the Arts in Florida and commissions for the Colorado Convention Center and the Nevada Museum. A new monograph by Thomas McEvilley will be published by Idea Books in November.
* * *
Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. For further information, please contact the gallery at 212-366-4774