Vertiginous Detour 

Eva Hesse made this sculpture, "Vertiginous Detour," from industrial materials and processes, challenging traditional art materials. The work's appearance is significantly influenced by the choice of materials, especially the contrast between the open netting and the dense, dark mass it contains. Consider the inherent qualities of these materials: the netting’s lightness and give, and the solid weight of the ball, each contributing to the sculpture's dynamic tension. The artist’s labor is evident in the intricate construction of the netting and the careful assembly of the inner mass. Hesse engages with traditions beyond fine arts, incorporating techniques from fiber arts and industrial production. These decisions are tied to wider social issues of labor and consumption, as she elevates everyday materials to the realm of fine art through painstaking and often repetitive processes. Understanding the full meaning of "Vertiginous Detour" requires considering Hesse’s conscious engagement with materials and making, thereby challenging traditional distinctions between art and craft.