Metallic magic

Kenneth Snelson in 1968 with his “Needle Tower”.

Morrison Gallery, in Kent, Conn., is pleased to announce the representation of the estate of Kenneth Snelson.

The gallery says (slightly edited):

“Snelson (1927-2016) was originally an engineering student, and the forces of tension are fundamental to his sculptures, seemingly defying the laws of physics.

“Snelson was guided toward experimental architect and faculty member Buckminster Fuller by Josef Albers while attending the summer session at Black Mountain College, near Asheville, N.C. During his second summer session he presented an early kinetic model of plywood pieces suspended on over another by nylon tension lines, which Fuller translated into metal and exhibited as his own work.

“In 1964 Snelson was commissioned to create a major aerial piece measuring 30 by 35 feet for the World's Fair in New York. He went on to develop a specialty of airy public outdoor sculptures constructed of stainless steel and aluminum, which illustrate his theories of compression and tension. He held five United States patents, and in 1999 the International Sculpture Center presented him with the Lifetime Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award.’’