WASHINGTON, DC—An amazing, large-scale black wall sculpture dominates an alcove at the end of the contemporary gallery of the Smithsonian’s American Art Museum. “Sky Cathedral” by Louise Nevelson (1899-1988) is an intricately detailed wood installation measuring more than 100 inches high and nearly 300 inches long. The assemblage looks like a collection of carefully chosen specimens from carpentry-rich home: slat-back chairs; staircase posts; remnants from boxes, drawers and other furnishings. The museum describes the Russian-born artist’s work thus: “Nevelson’s wall sculptures have an architectural scale and dramatic impact that suited her grand personality. The artist liked black paint because it conjured ‘totality, peace and greatness.'”
All photos by Arts Observer
“Sky Cathedra,” 1982 (painted wood) by Louise Nevelson.
