Virgins 2018

Matthew Barney created “Virgins” using primarily copper and brass through casting processes. These aren't traditional art materials, but rather industrial ones, reminiscent of plumbing or engine parts. Look at the way the molten metal has taken on the textures of organic forms. The artist seems to be playing with the contrast between the fluidity of the casting process and the rigid, solid nature of the final material. The metal's inherent qualities – weight, sheen, and color – all contribute to the artwork's visual impact. Barney likely employed a combination of skilled traditions, including metalworking and sculpture, blurring the lines between craft and fine art. Consider the labor involved in the production process. The work is tied to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. The act of transforming raw materials into art objects mirrors the cycle of industrial production and consumption. Ultimately, understanding the materials, making process, and context is essential to appreciating the full meaning of "Virgins," challenging any strict definitions of fine art.