Douze Pièces Forgées d'un Cube
forged steel
1980
dimensions variable
Syracuse, New York
These are variations executed within the same paradigm, that of the cube. Each piece is cut out of a rectangular steel girder and formed by a power hammer; it is heated to the point of malleability and then worked, each one for the same period of time. The 12 “declensions” which result constitute a “field” in both the literal and figurative sense. Gérard invents a personal rhetoric with these sculptures, some of which stand independently on the floor while others lean against the wall; they may be folded, bent in pyramid or anvil form, polished, inscribed, or hammered. Though autonomous, they attract and repel one another, composing a universe of complex anamorphoses.
— G.G. Lemaire for Artforum
Collection:
Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, New York
Press:
(1) Incorporating Sculpture Now, June 1982. Review: "Michel Gérard, Max Hutchinson Gallery, New York" by Stephen Westfall; (2) Artforum, Summer 1982. Review: "Michel Gérard, Galerie Jeanne-Bucher, Paris" by Gerard-Georges Lemaire. Translated from the French by Jamey Gambrell: p.94
Bibliography:
Michel Gerard, Musée Départemental des Vosges, Epinal (1983): p. 24-29
Michel Gerard, Galerie Jeanne Bucher (1981) p. 4-9, 21-30
Michel Gérard: Skulpturen 1976-1988 by Städtische Kunsthalle Mannheim (1988): p. 25
Michel Gérard: Sculptures 1976-1987, Musée de Calais (1988): p. 9
Michel Gérard: Signature Transformations 2009–1972, Christian Pirot (2009): p. 14
Exhibitions:
1981 Galerie Jeanne Bucher, Paris
1982 Max Hutchinson Gallery, New York
1982 Mills College Art Gallery, Oakland, California
1989 Everson Museum, Syracuse, New York