Prägnanz Series

William Carlson, Prägnanz Series, 1988, granite and cast and laminated glass, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Annie and Mike Belkin, 1992.40

Luce Center Label

Prägnanz is a German word that means "conciseness," and describes the ability of objects to be arranged in a way that is both simple and balanced. William Carlson carefully stacks his geometric shapes to create solid, looming towers of glass and granite.

Luce Object Quote

"A lot of what glass is about is light, and my faceting brings light into play." William Carlson, Braniff Magazine, 1989

Title

Prägnanz Series

Artist

William Carlson

Date

1988

On View

Dimensions

overall: 27 3/8 x 18 x 6 3/4 in. (69.5 x 45.7 x 17.2 cm)
part A: 12 x 16 x 4 3/8 in. (30.5 x 40.7 x 11.2 cm.)
part B: 12 1/8 x 13 x 14 in. (30.8 x 33.0 x 10.2 cm)
part C: 12 1/2 x 15 5/8 x 4 3/4 in. (31.8 x 39.7 x 12.1 cm)

Copyright

Credit Line