Brutalist Metal Wall Sculpture Entitled 'Saturn Rings' by Silas Seandel
Brutalist Metal Wall Sculpture Entitled 'Saturn Rings' by Silas Seandel
This stunning brutalist wall sculpture, entitled "Saturn Rings" was realized by the esteemed multidisciplinary artist and furniture maker Silas Seandel in the United States Circa 1980. The work consists of an abundance of bowed forms in copper, brass and aluminum exploding outwards from a central spine. The demilune splines display a wonderful burnished texture testifying to the presence of the artist's hand throughout the construction of the piece. The tile perhaps alludes to their curved form, like deconstructed rings, and metallic surfaces that have galactic resonances appearing like the glittering surfaces of far away planets (like Saturn). Full of verve and dynamism, and exquisitely hand crafted, this piece embodies what collector's of Seandel's design objects absolutely adore. This piece would be a winning addition to any style of interior from classic Mid Century Modern to contemporary. Its beautiful mixture of metallic tones makes it well suited for any interior space that employs any (or all) of these alloys in its decor. The work is in excellent vintage condition.
Silas Seandel (born August 11, 1937, New York City) is a multidisciplinary artist and furniture maker based in New York City. Seandel studied sculpture and economics at the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated in 1950 and opened a studio in 1963. For over four decade, he has realized commissioned pieces of functional art, and sculptured furniture. Seandel has been profiled by a number of books and publications throughout his career, including Interior Design magazine and Hudson Magazine as well as "Modern Americana: Studio Furniture From High Craft to High Glam" (Rizzoli 2008), describing him as one of the premier metal sculptors in the United States in the late 20th century. Seandel's works are all handmade in his studio located in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan.
United States, circa 20th Century
Dimensions:
Height: 50 in (127 cm) x Width: 84 in (213.36 cm) x Depth: 12 in (30.48 cm)
Creator: Silas Seandel
Creation Year: circa 1980
Medium: Brass
Movement & Style: American Modern
Period: 1980-1989
Condition: Excellent
Reference Number: LU711311064062
SILAS SEANDEL
Silas Seandel, born on August 11, 1937, in New York City, is a renowned furniture sculptor known for his unique approach to sculptural furniture. Seandel pursued studies in sculpture and economics at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1959. In 1963, he established his own studio, marking the beginning of a prolific career spanning over four decades.
Seandel's artistic journey took a significant turn when he received a commission from an architect to create a wall sculpture for a building under construction while preparing for a solo exhibition. This commission steered his career towards collaborating almost exclusively with architects, interior designers, and engineers. Over the years, Seandel has become synonymous with large architectural sculptures and one-of-a-kind sculptured furniture pieces. Among his notable works is the World Trade Center Memorial for the lawn of Greenwich Hospital in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Seandel's creations are all handmade in his studio located in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. His work is characterized by the use of solid metals such as brass, bronze, steel, and copper, without any enamels, veneers, or unnatural materials. The vibrant colors in his pieces are achieved through unique acid and heat treatments developed by Seandel himself.
Throughout his career, Seandel has received recognition from various publications. He was featured in Interior Design magazine in 1982 and Hudson Magazine in 2008. Additionally, his work was highlighted in a chapter of "Modern Americana: Studio Furniture From High Craft to High Glam" by Julies Iovine and Todd Merrill (Rizzoli, 2008), which describes him as one of the premier metal sculptors in the United States during the late 20th century.
Seandel's reputation as a master craftsman is well-deserved. Sherman Emery, former Editor of Interior Design Magazine, praised Seandel as one of the finest artist-craftsmen in America. Emery highlighted the wide scope of Seandel's work, from small sculptures for homes to monumental outdoor pieces, such as a 38.5-foot-high, 46-ton bronze and stainless steel figure of a man supporting the world, installed in Florida.
In addition to his large-scale sculptures, Seandel is celebrated for introducing traditional sculpture techniques into the field of furniture design. His distinctive tables and other furniture pieces are frequently featured in outstanding residential interiors, offering a unique way to incorporate art into everyday life.
Seandel's studio continues to produce custom pieces tailored to clients' specific size, shape, and finish requirements. This personalized approach ensures that each piece remains unique, reflecting the artist's commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.
Silas Seandel's contributions to the world of furniture sculpture have left an indelible mark, blending functionality with artistic expression. His works, made with meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of materials, continue to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts and design professionals alike.
