Spinner 1985

Nancy Graves' "Spinner," a sculpture of painted bronze, looks like it might have grown in some alternate dimension. She makes such strange, beautiful things. Graves lets her process show. It's like she's thinking out loud, building and adjusting. The surfaces are complex, with layer upon layer, creating a depth you wouldn't expect. I love the way she embraces imperfection. Look at that vertical column, wrapped in what looks like twine. It’s not smooth or perfect, but full of texture and small variations. That imperfection gives the piece life. "Spinner" reminds me a bit of Calder's mobiles, but with a twist. Where Calder is all about balance and movement, Graves is more interested in the messy, unpredictable side of things. It's like she's saying that art doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. It can be strange, off-kilter, and still resonate with us.