Slant 1966

Here we see 'Slant', an outdoor sculpture by Phillip King. It's hard to miss the commanding presence of bright red planes against the green landscape. They rise and fall in a rhythmic, almost musical arrangement, a powerful contrast between the natural and the geometric. King's work embodies a pivotal moment in sculpture, challenging the traditional ideas of form and space. The 'Slant' isn’t just about the singular shape, but also about the intervals between shapes and the interplay of positive and negative space. This prompts us to consider the relationships between objects and their surroundings. The bright color serves as a signifier, disrupting the natural environment and drawing attention to the constructed nature of the sculpture. It destabilizes our expectations of what sculpture should be, asking us to reconsider our engagement with art. King compels us to view the work not as a static object, but as an active participant in a dynamic visual field.