David Smith: Cubes and Anarchy

David Smith: Cubes and Anarchy

David Smith (1906-1965) a great American sculptor who executed constructed sculptures using industrial materials. He is also presented as one of the Abstract Expressionist of the twenty century. Smith was influenced by Pablo Picasso and Cubism in the 1930s and used geometric forms in an effort to achieve pure objection.(Whitney Museum)

First of all, I am interested in the way he presents his art works. Michael Brensen, art critic and writer, comments that “Smith never explained his works which means that he ideologically committed to the freedom of interpretation of people in front of his works"(Whitney Museum). Therefore, we can use our imagination to see his works and enjoy them. My interpretation of Smith’s art work, “Untitle (Candida)(1965)”, is that each metal plate is connecting one to another and forming a circle, which reminds me of a tree that is growing in the forest.

Smith’s latest masterpiece, “Untitle (Candida) (1965)”, is the flattest sculpture he has ever created, with a depth of only three inches. However, it looks like a cube that has deep depth and the surface of the metal pops up because the surface of the metal has a special polish that make it look 3D. I really like the special effects and texture of the material that Smith created. Even though the sculpture is made of metal, it does not give me a cold metallic feeling. I feel the warmth of wood from it. 

In Conclusion, Smith persuade geometric form and nature in order to express his idea of aesthetics and emotion in constructing abstract sculpture. It is very powerful and impressive.

Works  Cited

“David Smith: Cubes And Anarchy Audio Guide Playlist”.Watch And Listen 2011. Whitney Museum of American Art. Web. 30 Nov. 2011.