Red Earth

Barry Tinsley, Red Earth, 1980, welded Cor-Ten steel and concrete, relief: 17 58284 78 in. (44.971.112.4 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the S. W. and B. M. Koffler Foundation, 1980.103.1

Artwork Details

Title
Red Earth
Date
1980
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
relief: 17 58284 78 in. (44.971.112.4 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of the S. W. and B. M. Koffler Foundation
Mediums Description
welded Cor-Ten steel and concrete
Classifications
Subjects
  • Abstract
Object Number
1980.103.1

Artwork Description

Red Earth is an example of Barry Tinsley's smaller-scale, though nonetheless monumental, metal and concrete sculpture. Cor-Ten steel, also known as weathering steel, develops a rustlike surface if exposed to the elements for several years. This textured surface, combined with the sharp edges and imposing shapes, gives the sculpture an unfinished, industrial feel. Tinsley combined abstract shapes to create this piece, removing all outside influences from our experience of this work so that we consider the characteristics of the material as well as the overall presence of the structure.

Works by this artist (8 items)

Imogen Cunningham, Unmade Bed, 1957, printed ca. 1957, gelatin silver print, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment, 2020.1.1
Unmade Bed
Date1957, printed ca. 1957
gelatin silver print
Not on view
Imogen Cunningham, Roi Partridge, Self-Portrait, 1915, platinum print, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase from the Charles Isaacs Collection made possible in part by the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment, 1994.91.41
Self-Portrait
Date1915
platinum print
Not on view
Imogen Cunningham, Marcia Tracy Marple, ca. 1914, platinum print, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the family of Martha Thayer Folsom Marple and Lucius Elliot Marple, 2011.50.3
Marcia Tracy Marple
Dateca. 1914
platinum print
Not on view