Most art is made with the artist in complete control, and the result is a static, unchanging composition in a state of unviolated perfection. However, I have always been fascinated by works of art that allow others to participate or collaborate with the artist in the finished composition. It is even more interesting when the artist involves untrained observers. The piece above is part of a series entitled “your turn.” I wanted to create a piece of art that never stopped moving, with an uncompromising appearance that invited the observer to take part in the composition or visual appearance of the piece — to control it, to manage it, possess it. The question at the heart of this work is this: How much control can an artist surrender and still be the author of the work?
Hundreds of lead wires protrude from stainless steel box, and then gravity takes over. The wires are in constant motion, but the movement is gradual and cannot be perceived. It may take hours or days for a compositional change to be noticed. The observer is allowed to turn the work in 90-degree increments as they wish and when they wish. The wires get tangled and untangled as they seek a resting place. In this piece I clearly control the “deep structure” and define the rules of play. I do this while granting considerable compositional authority to others. What I find satisfying is that the work can never be diminished and is surprisingly enhanced through the participation of others.