Chandelle

Copied John Safer, Chandelle, 1969, revised 2013, Lucite, 77 in. (195.6 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 2007.23

Artwork Details

Title
Chandelle
Artist
Date
1969, revised 2013
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
77 in. (195.6 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of the artist
Mediums Description
Lucite
Classifications
Object Number
2007.23
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2007.23

Artwork Description

The French word chandelle means "candle," and this sculpture, although not strictly representational, evokes the form of a flickering flame. The title of the work may also reflect John Safer's knowledge of aviation, gained from his experience in the US Air Force. A chandelle is an aircraft maneuver in which the pilot combines a 180-degree turn with a sudden climb. Viewed from the side, Chandelle's form captures the elegant motion of this movement. "What I see and try to capture," the artist has said, "is the movement of beauty. I try to freeze a line of a motion that expresses strength, power, or grace. . . . I try to grasp and make permanent something ephemeral."
Luce Center Label
The French word chandelle means "candle," and this sculpture, although not strictly representational, evokes the form of a flickering flame. As the viewer walks by the piece the changing shape of a flame can be imagined in the reflections of light in the polished black Lucite and through the sculpture's deceptively tapering form. The title of this work may also indicate John Safer's knowledge of aviation gained in the Air Force. A chandelle is an aircraft control maneuver in which the pilot combines a 180-degree turn with a sudden climb. Viewed from the side, Chandelle's form appears to capture the essential movement of this maneuver.