Hanging in the Balance

Wendell Castle, artist

1932–2018

Hanging in the Balance, 2002

Where object was made: United States

Material/technique: jelutong wood; bronze

Dimensions:
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 112 x 80 x 74 cm
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 44 x 31 1/2 x 29 in

Credit line: Museum purchase: Helen Foresman Spencer Art Acquisition Fund

Accession number: 2003.0016

On display: Michaelis Gallery

Add to portfolio

If you wish to reproduce this image, please submit an image request

Images

Label texts

Empowerment

How could a pillow hold up a chair? Contradicting the understanding of a chair as something to sit on and a pillow as something soft, Wendell Castle uses materials to expand expectations. He explores the relationships between art and craft, form and function, and the pursuit of equilibrium. Castle was inspired to create this piece after hearing the idea of wrapping concrete parking garage spaces with pillows to protect car bumpers.

Empowerment

The Object Speaks

By carving wood to mimic a taut pillow nearly impaled by the weight of a precariously balanced chair, Castle explores the relationships between art and craft, form and function, and the pursuit of equilibrium.