According to this article in the New York Times, Richard Serra’s 12th sculpture exhibition is making an appearance at the Gagosian Gallery. The exhibition, which continues through November 26th, is titled “Junction/Cycle” after its two main components. The two sculptures—made completely of giant, snaking swaths of steel—almost fill the rooms that house them. “Cycle” measures 57 feet at its longest point. “Junction” measures 75 feet. They are 14 and 13 feet high respectively and together weigh 441 tons. The works are essentially mazes with many ways through them, all paths equally valid but some more circuitous than others. The two sculptures complement each other, either with “Cycle” as a contracted version of “Junction” or with “Junction” as the extrovert to “Cycle’s” introvert. Either way, when experiencing the exhibition, it becomes easier to understand what Mr. Serra means when he says, “I consider space to be my primary material.”
I actually love how this art form becomes interactive with the viewer. Although I know I am not an art expert, I would like to suggest a possible meaning for this structure. As the viewer walks through the crowd, he is constantly being faced with the question of which direction to turn. Although the art appreciator could choose his direction, he is essentially in a closed system with limited outcomes. It can possibly signify how a person walks through life constantly thinking he is making the correct decision, but in reality he is forced into the paths that his surroundings force him into.
This is just a suggestion but I was wondering what you would think about this idea.
I haven’t actually thought about it, but now that you mention it, I can definitely see what you’re saying. In any maze your goal is to find the exit. As you search for the exit, it may seem like there are a number of different options or like you’re creating a path out for yourself that wasn’t there before, but in actuality you’re following a path that has been meticulously laid out by whoever designed the maze. There is the illusion of control and free will, where there isn’t actually any of that. You could apply the same concept to life: we think we have free will but the decisions we make aren’t actually our own–unforseen circumstances force our hands and a decision suddenly becomes a necessity. Perhaps that is what Serra is suggesting. I’m not going to debate whether he’s right or not (philosophical discussions about predestination aren’t my strong suit) but I’m glad you brought the idea up. Thank you 🙂
Any piece of art that makes you think is good (in my opinion). It is surprising how these examples of monumental minimalism can be so thought provoking, have such weight, and yet feel so lyrical and “alive.” I actually just visited the Dia Beacon (in Beacon New York) where there is a collection of 5 large Serra sculptures. I highly recommend visiting the Gagosian to experience these works “live.” There is a big difference between talking about it and experiencing the work in person. Good post.