Gilgamesh 1993

Jimmie Durham’s wooden construction, “Gilgamesh,” stands like a portal or even a character. It's like he's channeling a totemic presence with this doorway, almost anthropomorphic with its angled stance and cylindrical element. I wonder what Durham was thinking? Was he interested in ancient myths, or maybe just the potential for wood to tell stories? The wood grain is so tactile, and the rough-hewn quality of the timbers gives it a primal feel. And those roughly made implements – they point and gesture. I imagine Durham in his studio, wrestling with the materials, letting the wood guide him. It reminds me a bit of early 20th century Dada sculptures which used found objects and humor. Artists are always riffing off each other, finding new ways to make something out of nothing. Durham's sculpture is a reminder that art can be both serious and playful, ancient and modern.