Jungle Bloom II

Copied Seymour Lipton, Jungle Bloom II, 1956, Monel metal with brazed nickel-silver, 31 182914 12 in. (79.073.736.8 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Susan Morse Hilles, 1977.2.4

Artwork Details

Title
Jungle Bloom II
Date
1956
Dimensions
31 182914 12 in. (79.073.736.8 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Susan Morse Hilles
Mediums Description
Monel metal with brazed nickel-silver
Classifications
Keywords
  • Abstract
Object Number
1977.2.4

Artwork Description

During the 1950s, Seymour Lipton became more resigned to the idea that violence and death were unavoidable aspects of life. He moved away from the darker themes of struggle and conflict that had dominated his work, and began to explore plant forms. Inspired by the constant regeneration of nature, he molded sheet metal to represent the layers of growth that are found in all natural forms. In Jungle Bloom II the textured spirals and curves of metal evoke unfolding petals or leaves. The piece balances on a single point, creating a sense of weightlessness despite the thick layers of metal.