4th Sculpture 1966

Editor: This is Michael Bolus's "4th Sculpture," created in 1966. It looks like an assemblage of modular, geometric shapes made of painted paper. It reminds me of Constructivism. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Well, consider the materials. We have paper, paint, modular construction... elements typically relegated to 'craft,' now elevated to the status of 'sculpture'. In the 60s, artists were actively questioning traditional art boundaries, pushing back against the idea of the unique, handmade art object. Editor: So, the use of these simple materials is intentional? It's a commentary on what gets considered art? Curator: Precisely. Think about the labour involved. It's repetitive, almost industrial in its simplicity. Is Bolus commenting on the shift towards mass production and consumerism of the era? Is the choice of using paper related to disposable goods? Editor: That's fascinating. I hadn't considered the connection to mass production. The 'modular' aspect seems important then. Curator: Absolutely. The repeated form allows for endless possibilities. One could buy kits and arrange the elements differently. It removes the artist's singular authority, democratizing the creative process, reflecting social change toward egalitarianism. Do you think the white and yellow colouration might have to do with industrial design conventions? Editor: I guess, yellow and white are non-offensive. Thinking of art making that questions tradition makes me wonder if it influenced other similar works from his time. Curator: Definitely. By understanding Bolus's work within this broader context, we see how he challenges the conventions of sculpture by foregrounding material, process, and production. Editor: This was incredibly insightful. I appreciate you pointing out the link between materials and societal shifts of the 1960s! Curator: My pleasure! It's all about tracing those material threads and their connection to the world around us.