Primary Colors

Bartow G. Daniels, Primary Colors, 1978, acrylic, metal, mirrors, plastic, and styrofoam beads, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Bartow V. Daniels in memory of their son, 1995.31
Copied Bartow G. Daniels, Primary Colors, 1978, acrylic, metal, mirrors, plastic, and styrofoam beads, 13 1⁄2 x 6 1⁄4 x 1 in. (34.3 x 15.9 x 2.5 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Bartow V. Daniels in memory of their son, 1995.31

Artwork Details

Title
Primary Colors
Artist
Date
1978
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
13 1⁄2 x 6 1⁄4 x 1 in. (34.3 x 15.9 x 2.5 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Bartow V. Daniels in memory of their son
Mediums
Mediums Description
acrylic, metal, mirrors, plastic, and styrofoam beads
Classifications
Object Number
1995.31
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1995.31

Artwork Description

Bartow Daniels said, “One of the reasons I got into plastics was because of the color. I was so sick of looking at silver and gold.” In this piece, the artist used the transparency of the plastic to showcase the color in the Styrofoam beads. The movement of the beads and the reflective properties of the mirrors make the necklace interactive for wearer and observer.