Low Rider (Bern)
Artist
Al Taylor
(American, 1948 - 1999)
Date1992
MediumWooden broomsticks with enamel paint, wood, latex paint, and wire
DimensionsOverall: 118 × 86 1/2 × 88 inches (299.72 × 219.71 × 223.52 cm)
Credit LinePurchase: acquired through the generosity of the William T. Kemper Foundation–Commerce Bank, Trustee
Object number2008.12
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionThis sculpture is made of 8 brightly colored broomsticks, two wires, and a slender strip of white wood vertically mounted tot he wall. The broomsticks are yellow, red, green, and blue. The broomsticks are arranged in a rectangular configuration and form an invisible plane that is perpendicular to the wall and parallel to the floor.Gallery LabelAl Taylor's Low Rider (Bern) is made of broomsticks, wire and wood. The broomsticks form an invisible floating plane which is suspended precariously from two wires. Taylor's whimsical sculptures have the appearance of being impermanent.
His use of found materials and his ideas about humor in art are derived from his experience in Africa. He said: "Africa taught me about making do with what you have at hand…Uganda, in particular, taught me that humor is a tool ….It was permission to use …humor in art."
Taylor's sense of humor is further evident in the form and title of Low Rider. The plane floating so close to the floor is named after cars altered so as to nearly touch the ground as they cruise city streets.
His use of found materials and his ideas about humor in art are derived from his experience in Africa. He said: "Africa taught me about making do with what you have at hand…Uganda, in particular, taught me that humor is a tool ….It was permission to use …humor in art."
Taylor's sense of humor is further evident in the form and title of Low Rider. The plane floating so close to the floor is named after cars altered so as to nearly touch the ground as they cruise city streets.
Copyright© The Estate of Al Taylor
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2018.72.63