Richard Serra
2003-2004
weathering steel
outer ellipse: 14' x 37'5" x 40'
inner ellipse: 14' x 20'4" x 32'
Richard Serra's sculptures are striking in photographs and staggering in person. The flowing, organic shapes that Serra and his team conjure from hard steel creates a visual dissonance that can be disorienting and even unsettling, but always awe-inspiring. These shapes tower over audiences, creating cave-like spaces and shapes that mimic hills. Serra's scale and use of material are a sort of throw back to the earth works of Neolithic Age in Europe and of stone works ranging from Native North American tribal construction to pre columbian altars. While reminding of ancient megaliths, Serra's pieces also show a strong resemblance to architecture, particularly that of temples and churches with high roofs and towering walls.
Serra's ability to design and realize sculptures that are both organic and architectural makes viewing his work a spiritual experience. There is a feeling of giddy awe and excitement when walking into one of the torqued ellipses, a feeling that inspires and scares a visitor. The towering steel is so imposing and impressive that it can generate a feeling of ultimate protection and safety, or of horrible anxiety and claustrophobia. The combination of terror and awe makes this a truly spirituality work of art.
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