Milwaukee Art Museum: Laid Table (Still Life with Metal Pitcher)
Laid Table (Still Life with Metal Pitcher) with Honeywax by Kiki Smith (left) and Right After by Eva Hesse (right)
Laid Table (Still Life with Metal Pitcher) is now on long-term view at the Milwaukee Art Museum in the contemporary sculpture gallery (K118) with Kiki Smith, Eva Hesse, Martin Puryear, Rashid Johnson, Tony Oursler, and Sam Gilliam.
The sculpture investigates material culture and mortality, suggesting the aftermath of a bacchanalian episode. The use of glass foils the viewer’s eye; it frustrates efforts to claim and own what is seen. Laid Table (Still Life with Metal Pitcher) can be contemplated on a purely atheistic level, or interpreted from a socio- political context.