Piano #1 1965

"Piano #1" (1965) by Richard Artschwager is a minimalist sculpture that uses the familiar form of a piano to explore the relationship between illusion and reality. Made of wood, paint, and Formica, the piece features a dark brown top section that evokes the grain of wood, but is actually a painted surface. This is contrasted with the lighter bottom section, which is made of real wood and appears as a piano key. The thin, black vertical line, reminiscent of a piano key, is a subtle but powerful symbol that adds another layer of meaning to the work. Artschwager's use of these materials and techniques creates a work that is both playful and thought-provoking, making it a key example of his signature style.