Alogon
In 1966, Robert Smithson created a series of works called Alogon. The second piece in the series was exhibited at the seminal exhibition of minimalist work called Primary Structures in 1966. This piece is currently in the Museum of Modern Art collection. Of the work, Oxford University Press says:
[E]ach [work is] composed of a number of step structures arranged in order of decreasing size, conveying Smithson’s belief in the illogical and absurd nature of existence. Though each of the parts is static, their dynamic arrangement introduces tension into the work as a whole.
I hadn’t seen this work until recently, but find it interesting to look at in comparison to his bigger land-art works, such as Spiral Jetty.
- 08.02.2011 .
- Adrian Clement .
- Tags .
- Category:
- Art & Illustration
- Object:
- Sculpture
- Designer:
- Robert Smithson
- Share .
- 4 comments
“conveying Smithson’s belief in the illogical and absurd nature of existence”
Indeed.
“Though each of the parts is static, their dynamic arrangement introduces tension into the work as a whole.”
— Is it the language barrier messing with me, or am I right in saying that it’s a contradiction? Static, while dynamic. Fat, yet thin. Dark brightness. Et cetera..
If they are taking about the arrangement of the individual collections of cubes structures, I get it, but I wouldn’t call a straight line dynamic for the same reasons I don’t call a square dynamic.
Adrian, I always appreciate your articles on artists and their work. It often gives me insight into another perspective. At the very least it gives me something to consider that I would not have on my own. As a designer, I find it very helpful to stay open to and curious about many ways of thinking.
Thank you for your lovely response, Michelle. It’s inspiring to know that you appreciate my articles in this way.