Diagonal Bundle
Datec. 1988
Artist
Helen Mason
(American artist)
MediumAnodized aluminum and rubber
Dimensionsclosed: 48 × 14 × 14 in. (121.9 × 35.6 × 35.6 cm)
open: 48 × 22 × 22 in. (121.9 × 55.9 × 55.9 cm)
open: 48 × 22 × 22 in. (121.9 × 55.9 × 55.9 cm)
Credit LineGift of the artist, 2017
Object number2017-112
On View
Not on viewClassificationsSCULPTURE
Label TextDiagonal Bundle is a structure derived from the study of Japanese arrangements and wrapping techniques. Helen Mason chose rigid anodized aluminum tubes partly inserted in rubber hoses, leaving the tops uncovered. Afterwards, a bundle of the tubes was gathered to form a column which was wrapped with translucent plastic. In order to activate the bundle, it was torqued in a way that the top and bottom of the column opened up with the plastic wrap serving as a pivot. The overall effect of banding the structure in the middle was a column ever opening towards the top and bottom of the sculpture. To make the overall sculpture less mechanical, black bows of rubber were tied around the top and bottom of the translucent wrap. Helen Mason has a penchant for choosing appropriate materials for construction of her varied sculptures. A primary concern in her built structures seems to be creation of order amongst the components inserted into a given work.
Wesley Memeger, PhD
