Gary Kuehn
New Sculpture

The works included in this show explored new issues for Kuehn of symbolic reference, either in the process of their fabrication or in their format. In these works, Kuehn moved toward greater complexity of meaning by paying attention to archaic systems. One of the pieces consisted of circular wooden beams vertically bound together in a cylindrical format by two thick steal hinges. This piece was meant to refer to the Fascist symbol borrowed from the ancient Roman Senate. Another piece, which referred to the Actaeon myth, consisted of three decapitated cast-iron deer connected to the corners of a triangular steel rod by hooks in the necks of the animals.

Excerpted from Brentano, R., & Savitt, M. (1981). 112 Workshop, 112 Greene Street: History, artists & artworks. New York: New York University Press.