Gary Kuehn, The Provisionals, 1969

1969

Medium

Steel and aluminum

Dimensions

17.8 × 111.8 cm

Status

In Gallery Collection

Collect24 Art ID

C24-155837

The sculpture "The Provisionals" (1969) consists of an aluminum band and a steel ring, fastened together with clamps. The aluminum bends in this act, seemingly trying to escape the steel mold, but is held in place by pressure against the rigid base. The resilience of the material creates a visual expression analogous to the physical constraint from which a part tries to break free. Gary Kuehn repeatedly uses the geometry of the circle, subjecting it to various deformations to address deviations from the norm or societal pressures. The contrast between free choice and predetermined events becomes a fundamental idea in his work. The artist describes these works as a synthesis of matter and narrative, taking place on a physical, material level as well as on a universal, metaphorical level — love and hate, life and death, etc. The sculpture also illustrates Kuehn's physical engagement and fascination with material behavior. The result is a synthesis of simple physical phenomena and easily understood forms that convey complex mental states, merging material reality with metaphorical meaning in "The Provisionals."