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Monday, December 23, 2013

Magnificent metal

I find it fascinating in a way that as a person who loves paper, the strength and the softness of it, and fabric, the weave and the suppleness of it, that I also love metal.

We had the good fortune to serendipitously discover that the Gagosian galleries were showing some fabulous metal sculptures. Bill, our landlord here, slipped some art info under our door on Friday night and we went there Saturday (they are closed for Christmas now). Serendipity indeed.

First we saw Richard Serra's magnificent Inside Out. We walked thru it and around it and we were silent with awe. I saw so many stories in this work, the detail in the metal revealed words and tears and rain to me. And the spaces that enclosed, and then revealed, that impinged and then released.



We went further to see more of his works, and here are details of 7 plates 6 angles and Intervals.




Again the strength, scale and solidity of these works, was counterpointed for me by the multiplicity of stories of creation and the world and our lives here on earth that you could see in the detailed etchings on the metal. I was spellbound and spent ages examining the plates and exclaiming at their beauty Nd the tales they revealed.
 
I felt so at home with these marvellous works.

We headed to a third Gagosian gallery and saw The Forgings by David Smith, completely different in scale and form, yet again full of meaning and stories. We spent a lot of time with all these works.



Then today, again courtesy of Bill's note under the door, we headed north to the Studio Museum in Harlem and again, it was the metal which spoke most to me. Here is Rat by Cyrus Kabiru.


I don't know why metal feels like home, and why I am so drawn to it, but these pieces will all stay with me for a long time. Long live Serendipity I say.

15 comments:

  1. The first piece reminds me of how a river carves rock. I imagine the exhibition space became a soundscape as well with the sounds of footsteps and voices.....

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    1. A great image isn't it Annie...and yes there were echoes and calls. Would be an amazing space for a performance of words and music as well!

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  2. Serendipity is a wonderful thing - it brings beautiful opportunities, experiences and friendship. I think so many of the most treasured things in my life have come about because of chance encounters.
    Love the stillness and confidence of these pieces. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. Serendipity is a beautiful thing Charlton, precious moments and people can come into your life because of it...and these pieces were strong and silent, but also gentle in a way...

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  3. Stunning works Fiona, sure love serendipity! Thanks for sharing...

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    1. You would have enjoyed these days Kim - lots of rusty metal and metal just being gorgeous!

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  4. These are wonderful, thank you for sharing. Have you been to see the Serra installation at DIA Beacon? It's a short train ride from the City and well worth the visit. Every artist should have the experience of walking into one of his sculptures, so amazing. Cheers - Anne in New England

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    1. Thanks Anne - sadly we didn't get to DIA Beacon, we have a few out of the city trips lined up for our next visits I think! It is truly remarkable to walk within and. Without those works isn't it? Go well.

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  5. Serra's work speaks volumes, doesn't it? Love that your landlord of the moment is also your art connection. Merry Christmas!

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    1. It speaks on many levels J and I am thrilled we got to see it. It is. Rey cool that Bill drops off suggestions and even seems to know us so well! Hope you all had a warm and happy Christmas too.

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  6. You've certainly hit the jackpot Fiona! Amazing work. I was surprised to discover that metal speaks to me too. Rat is a delightful piece! ... and now I'm off to google Cyrus Kabiru.

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    1. It did indeed feel like winning the lotterynRobyn, just a bit! Cyrus does beautiful work as you have no doubt discovered. Metal speaks of many things I think...

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  7. .... aaahhh.... now I remember why Cyrus Kabiru's name rang a bell. His sculptural "eyewear" has captivated me for a while now.

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I appreciate your thoughts and comments; thanks for taking the time.