Full Description
Best known for his monumental sculptures, Ronald Bladen (1918-1988) was regarded as an artistic forerunner by such minimalist artists as Donald Judd, Sol Lewitt, and Carl Andre. But in contrast to the matter-of-fact work of these artists, Bladen's pieces evoke the emotional power of sculpture, what the artist called "presence." His objects fill entire rooms, pressing outward against the walls and ceiling; his themes include the force of gravity, the dynamism of planar surfaces, the impact of scale, and confrontation with the viewer.This splendidly illustrated volume presents a comprehensive overview of Bladen's career: his breakthrough sculptures such as Three Elements (1965), a standout at the Jewish Museum's legendary Primary Structures exhibition, later acquired by the Museum of Modern Art; his monumental outdoor commissions of the late 1960s through the 1980s; and his intricate reflective wall reliefs of the 1980s. Bladen's working models and drawings are examined in detail, and his early career as a painter is considered in the light of his later work. Also included are selections from the critical literature on Bladen, and an illustrated chronology of his life and work.Ronald Bladen: Sculpture is an essential volume on an artist who continues to influence a wide range of sculptors, from Richard Serra to Ursula von Rydingsvard.
