Thursday, October 6, 2011

Don Gummer



The majority of his early work focused on tabletop sculptures, as well as ones that are mounted on the wall. During the mid 1980’s he took a turn with his interests towards large free -standing works. These works often were made out of bronze. Then in the 1990’s he began to use materials such as stainless steal, aluminum, and stained glass. Gummer was very interested in the large outdoor works, which also let him to an interest in public art. His art explores the depth of geometric figures that is affiliated with constructivism. This became part of his life during the mid 1980s to the present.
            Gummer’s style derives from constructivism but also gives a postmodern life to classic assumptions of abstract composition. His work leans mainly toward contemporary art.  Gummer composes his sculptures out of planes, which are parallel horizontal and vertical slats or bars.  In a variety of his pieces he merges his open planes as well as incorporating right angles and curvilinear forms.
 The process of his works begins with light sketches of his basic idea of what he wants. He then begins to create a large-scale sculpture that is made out of flammable materials like cardboard and wood. He then transports his idea to where it is made. The sculpture is cast in either bronze or stainless steel. 

Gummer installs a sculpture at the Glick Institute. This sculpture is called “Open Eyes” and stands 18ft tall. This was opened to the public on Friday August 12 2011, on the IUPUI campus.
"Open Eyes"
"Souther Circle" 25 ft of stainless steel
"Twins 5" 2008

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