Myrtle's Domain, Alan Tollakson

Artwork Overview

Alan Tollakson, Myrtle's Domain
Alan Tollakson, Myrtle's Domain
Alan Tollakson
Myrtle's Domain
1986
Alan Tollakson
born 1955
Myrtle's Domain, 1986
Where object was made: United States
Material/technique: cottonwood limestone; carving
Dimensions:
Object Height/Diameter (Height x Diameter): 43.5 x 76.5 cm
Object Height/Diameter (Height x Diameter): 17 1/8 x 30 1/8 in
Credit line: Bequest of Richard M. Hollander
Accession number: 1991.0179
Not on display
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Label texts

Archive Label 2003: This abstract sculpture was known as an untitled work for over ten years. Because it has the stylized appearance of a turtle poking its head out of its shell, it became known among the museum staff as “the turtle.” In a recent conversation, the sculptor divulged that, in fact, he made this piece as a representation of the head of another species, the human variety. Tollakson made it based on the top of the head of a family friend he remembered from childhood. He typically makes sculpture using different kinds of stone paired with highly polished wood. Here, the worked surface of the cottonwood limestone creates interest by itself. One aspect of contemporary abstract art is that viewers are free to interpret works as they wish. Myrtle’s Rock can be seen as a turtle or, if you knew Myrtle, maybe as her head.