Plant of Isis #C 13 1996

This spindly, delicate sculpture, Plant of Isis, was made by Takis from metal, glass, and electricity. It starts with this kind of gnarly, almost gothic base, like something unearthed, and then this thin metal rod shoots up, defying gravity. At the top, a glass orb glows with an internal light, like a futuristic flower. I wonder, what was Takis thinking as he was putting this together? Did he feel like a mad scientist, or a poet? The contrast between the rough base and the ethereal light is so striking. The base is all earthbound and heavy, while the top seems to reach for the stars. I guess it makes sense that other works by Takis explore the possibilities of electricity and magnetic energy. It reminds me of other artists who were trying to capture some kind of energy in their work. It makes me think of Yves Klein, or even some of the early futurists. Artists are always in conversation with each other, trying to push the boundaries of what art can be.