Optical Study #2
Artist
Ruth Gowell
(American, born 1950)
CultureAmerican
Date2013
MediumWeaving and solid sculpted glass
Dimensions11 1/2 × 12 1/2 × 4 1/2 in. (29.2 × 31.8 × 11.4 cm)
Credit LineGift of Gwen and Jerome A. Paulson
Object number2020.20.3
Not on view
DescriptionThe mixed media artwork Optical Study #2 by Ruth Gowell is a small, square-shaped wood form covered by a collage of textiles woven from black-and-white rayon in geometric/linear patterns. There are three square and rectangular sections with differing patterns. Attached to the front of the weaving is a solid ball-shaped glass element with an internal bubble, with thin glass rods extending from each side; these are made of colorless, clear glass that optically distorts the textile pattern behind it. This glass element is suspended by twisted black and white fibers that attach to the termini of the glass rods.ProvenanceGerome and Gwen Paulson purchased the Gowell artwork in 2013 from Target Gallery, Torpedo Factory, 105 N Union St., Alexandria, VA. Gowell’s studio is #6 at the Torpedo Factory, and in 2013 this artwork was displayed in a solo show called Optical Studies that was sponsored by the Friends of the Torpedo Factory Art Center. The artist records that the work sold for $550. Gifted to the Chrysler Museum of Art in 2020.
19th century
