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Low Piece (Bench)

A work made of himalayan blue granite.

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  • A work made of himalayan blue granite.

Date:

1985/86

Artist:

Scott Burton
American, 1939–1989

About this artwork

Best known for meticulously crafted pieces made of stone, metal, and concrete, Scott Burton consistently demonstrated a profound awareness of aesthetics and utility. Creating works that blur the boundaries between sculpture and furniture, he began his early studio pieces from the 1970s as found objects, usually mass-produced furniture. In the 1980s, he moved squarely into the realm of original design, producing rigorously reductive, geometric, and abstract pieces such as Low Piece (Bench). An example of Burton’s mature style, this piece conveys his passion for combining fine art and practical design and, in the process, opening up the scope of inquiry for both disciplines. All of Burton’s late works, including studio objects presented in traditional gallery spaces or site-specific projects for public areas, carry the potential for practical public use. Visitors are invited to use this sculpture as a bench.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Contemporary Art

Artist

Scott Burton

Title

Low Piece (Bench)

Place

United States (Artist's nationality:)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

Designed 1985

Medium

Himalayan blue granite

Dimensions

43.2 × 121.9 × 45.7 cm (17 × 48 × 18 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Lannan Foundation

Reference Number

1997.137

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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