Description
The five Voltons in the Empire State Plaza Art Collection are among the finest of the ninety-two works in the Albany holdings, and Smith is the only artist represented by more than two works. In 1961 Smith was invited to participate in the Spoleto, Italy, arts festival. He was given free rein in an abandoned steel factory at Voltri, with all its contents of metal-working tools, scrap metal, and a crew of assistants for a month. The artist was so inspired by the metal shop that an extraordinary twenty-seven sculptures were completed during his month residence, the most prolific period of his career. These works of art form the Voltri series. When David Smiths month at Voltri ended, he requested that his unfinished sculptures, as well as a heap of workshop debris that he prized (tongs, wrenches, wheels) be shipped to his studio at Bolton Landing. Smith was thus able to set to work to continue the Voltri-Boltonsculptures (combining the place names Voltri and Bolton). The five Empire State Plaza pieces come from this important group. Begun in 1962 and completed in 1963, the Volton works are numbered and signed in welding bead by the artist. In the Albany collection are Voltri-Bolton III, Volton XIII, VB XXI), Volton XVI and Volton XVIII. Reproduction of this image, including downloading, is prohibited without written authorization from VAGA, 350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2820, New York, NY 10118. Tel: 212.736.6666; Fax: 212.736.6767; e-mail: info@vagarights.com web: www.vagarights.com
Details
- Work Date:
- 1962-1963
- Location:
- Corning Tower Plaza Lobby