Sculpture Group Symbolizing World’s Communication in the Atomic Age

Harry Bertoia, Sculpture Group Symbolizing World's Communication in the Atomic Age, 1959, brazed and welded brass and bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Zenith Corporation, 1979.107A-D
Harry Bertoia, Sculpture Group Symbolizing World's Communication in the Atomic Age, 1959, brazed and welded brass and bronze, 142 14231 1481 in. (361.4587.4205.8 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Zenith Corporation, 1979.107A-D

Artwork Details

Title
Sculpture Group Symbolizing World’s Communication in the Atomic Age
Date
1959
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
142 14231 1481 in. (361.4587.4205.8 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of the Zenith Corporation
Mediums
Mediums Description
brazed and welded brass and bronze
Classifications
Subjects
  • Allegory — life — Atomic Age
  • Allegory — element — energy
  • Allegory — arts and sciences — technology
  • Abstract
Object Number
1979.107A-D

Artwork Description

Harry Bertoia's sculptural installation reflects the optimism of the 1950s, when the economy boomed and broadcast television was transforming American culture. The largest cluster of the sculpture symbolizes the world transmitting light to the smaller forms that represent sight, sound, and electronic control, each of which also emits luminous impulses. Bertoia explained that "we live in a time dominated by...invisible forces....these [are] elements of the atomic and electronic age that I am trying to give sculptural shape and form." Bertoia's vision of global communications is a reality today, as satellites constantly receive and transmit signals for broadcast, cell phone, and computer communications.

Works by this artist (4 items)

Harry Bertoia, #1117, ca. 1954-1956, monotype on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of B. Valentiner Bertoia, 1988.37.1
#1117
Dateca. 1954-1956
monotype on paper
Not on view
Harry Bertoia, Sculpture Group Symbolizing World's Communication in the Atomic Age, 1959, brazed and welded brass and bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Zenith Corporation, 1979.107A-D
Sculpture Group Symbolizing World’s Communication in the…
Date1959
brazed and welded brass and bronze
Not on view
Harry Bertoia, #1260, ca. 1940s, monotype on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of B. Valentiner Bertoia, 1988.37.2
#1260
Dateca. 1940s
monotype on paper
Not on view
Maquette for Entrance Lobby Screen
Daten.d.
painted and stained wood, string and metal
Not on view