Night Sail 1983

Louise Nevelson built this abstract sculpture, Night Sail, from steel. The matt black is so characteristic of her work. She often used found objects, and even though these forms are abstract, you get the sense that they once were something else. The shapes are suggestive: there's something that looks like a face, and other shapes that are flame-like. I love how the planes of this sculpture have such depth. Nevelson carefully balances the forms with the steel. It feels like this sculpture could fall apart at any moment, but it stands strong. The surface isn't smooth; you can see the welding marks and the cuts in the metal. It makes you think about the process of making. The energy of the artist is frozen in time. Nevelson's work reminds me of Kurt Schwitters, who made collages from found objects. Like Schwitters, Nevelson wasn't afraid to embrace the imperfections of her materials. Both artists prove that art doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful.