Analysis Of Robert Klippel’S Sculpture No. 329
Robert Klippel’s sculpture No. 329, is a modest sized work, made in 1977, and is constructed from brazed and welded steel, as well as there being geometric sections, found objects and formed sheet metal. One of Klippel’s aims in his art was to combine sculpture and landscape and bring nature and technology together. No. 329 presents a landscape/city, reminding us of the man-made buildings and structures in urban, industrial environments as well as natural plant forms. This work expresses the idea that the landscape shows growth beneath the surface, then lets nature erupt forth with tree-like forms, being tall and straight. The bottom half of No. 329 is taking up limited space, whereas the middle half is all cramped together, and the top half is branching out.
Another way to interpret this work is that it almost looks like an old, rustic factory. No. 329 is a modest size, measuring 69.5 x 64.0 x 49.5 cm without the base, and 154.5 x 77.5 x 55.0 cm with the base. This medium scaled work confronts the viewer with its intricate detail and its tall, spreading ‘branches’. This sculpture has been coated in a substance which gives it a rusty, metallic feel. This colour adds unity to the idea of a factory and how a landscape meets nature. The rustic feel of No. 329 makes the sculpture look older and looks as if it’s been added to over time. The material that has been used to create this sculpture makes it look smooth and bumpy in some places and granulated and corrosive too (almost sandpaper like). It looks like Robert Klippel has intentionally weathered this sculpture to achieve his objective of nature’s weathering impact in the landscapes of nature.
This sculpture has balance and unity between each interconnecting line. Each line captivates the viewers attention, giving them more to see throughout this sculpture. A bold feature in this sculpture is the linear form. The work weaves its way from the cramped bottom, to the branching top where negative space has been taken up. The bottom/middle half of this piece intrigues viewers with limited negative space around it, but then the sculpture makes its way up, taking up lots of space, also gripping the audience’s attention.
No. 329 is made up of geometric, organic and angular forms. There is variety in dimension and shape, creating interest in this work. The work builds up from a contained form to a spread form. This indicates more of the underlying theme in this sculpture; an urban, industrial environment. This abstract work is a thoughtful piece and clearly represents many of Klippel’s passion’s including nature, industrial objects and landscapes, and man-made features in nature. No 329 is one of Klippel’s most imaginatively gripping works. It highlights his commitment to a ‘humanised’ concept of sculpture, which emphasises the trace of the artist’s hand and labour. All this has been clearly represented to the audience, adding so much more value and excitement to this incredible sculpture.
