Quartered Meteor c. 1969 - 1975

Editor: Lynda Benglis's "Quartered Meteor" is such a strange sculpture! It fills the corner of the room with this imposing, almost menacing presence. What's the historical context here? Curator: Considering Benglis's practice during the 1970s, the "Quartered Meteor" might be seen as a commentary on the art world's traditional expectations of sculpture. How does its placement disrupt conventional notions of art in public spaces? Editor: I guess it feels very anti-monumental, even though it's so large. Is it a rejection of the male-dominated art scene at the time? Curator: Precisely. Benglis challenged the established order by using materials and forms traditionally considered "feminine" or "craft-based." Can you see how the work defies the conventional pedestal? Editor: Yes, definitely. It’s almost oozing onto the floor. I’m now thinking about how it subverts the macho, heroic scale of much public art! Curator: Exactly! By understanding these contextual elements, we can engage with "Quartered Meteor" as a powerful statement about gender, power, and the very nature of artistic creation.