The transparent nylon thread was wound round two intersecting transparent planes. The straight lines created a ‘living surface’.
Towards the end of the Exhibition Hall were displayed the prints that Gabo worked on in the USA. Each print was a work of art in itself. The collection of 12 of 24 woodblocks was named Opus, like a musical composition. The medium explored the same ideas as his sculptures and paintings. The 12 prints could be displayed in different orders to vary the visual experience.
One sculpture which, I believe, sums up Naum Gabo's inventiveness was the fountain outside St Thomas’ Hospital. Norman Reid, Director of the Tate Gallery, brokered the sponsorship by McAlpines. Then McAlpines donated it to the Tate in situ where it was inaugurated by the Queen in 1976. The fountain still exists but, sadly, no longer revolving.
A man who was fluent in German, French and English, in addition to his native Russian, saw art as the most expressive language of human emotion and creativity.
It was thanks to Miriam, Nina and their descendants that we have extensive archives of Gabo’s life and work. After compiling the material from the countries in which he lived, the family donated them to the Tate. You can see more images and read more articles about Naum Gabo by visiting the Tate website.
Art cannot and must not remain a refuge for the leisured, a consolation for the weary, a justification for the lazy. Art is called upon to accompany man everywhere, wherever his inexhaustible life flows and acts – At the factory bench, at the table, at work, at rest, at play… in order that the burning urge to live may never be extinguished in mankind. Naum Gabo
(To see a list of Janet's references for this article, please click here.)
Linear Construction in Space No 2 (1976) Plastic and nylon thread.
Revolving Torsion Fountain © Daisy Bush
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