The Past 1926

This smooth, silver sculpture by Olexandr Archipenko kind of embodies a moment, a pause in time, like a still from a movie. I can almost see Archipenko coaxing the metal into these shapes, feeling his way through each curve and contour. What I love about sculpture is how it occupies space; it has volume, mass. It reminds me of Giacometti's elongated figures, but here, instead of stretching upward, the form seems to fold inward, reflecting on itself. It is an interesting choice to render this subject in silver, which makes you think about the constant play of light and shadow and the mutability of memory itself. The subtle asymmetry in the face gives it a human quality, and the gentle curve of the head suggests a quiet contemplation. Art-making is a conversation that spans centuries, with artists riffing off of one another’s ideas. It's like this piece is whispering secrets from the past, inviting us to listen closely.