Padre Miguel
Artist
Keith Sonnier
(American, b. 1941)
CultureAmerican
Date1985
MediumEtched and lacquered steel
Dimensions101 1/2 x 94 x 78 in. (257.8 x 238.8 x 198.1 cm)
Credit LineGift of Leo Castelli
Object number94.40
Not on view
DescriptionThis is a large abstract etched and lacquered steel sculpture. It is constructed of smooth, textured or corrugated plates which are bolted to I-,L-, and C-beams. The work was fabricated with a group of steel structures the artist calls "screens".Label TextKeith Sonnier American, b. 1941 Padre Miguel, 1985 Etched and lacquered steel Walk around this work to see how Keith Sonnier transforms cold steel into a sensuous material. Influenced by the lush vegetation and architecture of Brazil, Sonnier began creating what he called “screens” out of steel and other industrial materials in 1985. The hard metal gives the sculpture a powerful, somber physical presence, but Sonnier also creates a lyrical feeling by rubbing the surfaces with bright pigments and lacquers. Sonnier’s innovative materials helped expand ideas about what constitutes an artistic medium and even what sorts of objects might be considered art. Gift of Leo Castelli 94.40
