Untitled 1968

This is one of Helen Pashgian’s “lenses,” sculptures created from resin, around which Pashgian has layered translucent coatings to capture light and color. Pashgian belongs to the Light and Space movement that originated in Southern California in the 1960s. In that period gender roles were in flux, which allowed women to experiment in fields such as art and science, even though they remained largely underrecognized. Pashgian has spoken about the joy of “color becoming palpable.” When you look at this lens, the smooth surface invites a tactile experience, but the shape also suggests an optical tool, or a precious stone. The lens pulls you in—it transforms the space around it. The play of light and the subtle variations in color create a contemplative experience. As you move around the sculpture, notice how the light changes, altering the artwork's appearance and your perception of it. Pashgian invites you to lose yourself in the present moment.