On view
American, 1906–1965
Cubi XXI, 1964
Stainless steel
9 ft. 11 in. x 33 3/4 in. x 34 in. (302.3 x 85.7 x 86.4 cm)
Gift of The Lipman Family Foundation, jointly owned by Storm King Art Center, Mountainville, New York and the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York
© 2021 The Estate of David Smith / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY
Photo by Jerry L. Thompson
Standing nearly ten feet tall, Cubi XXI is one of twenty-eight large-scale, geometric, stainless-steel sculptures within the Cubi series made by Smith between 1961 and 1965. The Cubi series, compositions of prefabricated geometric forms that Smith welded together, are widely viewed as among the artist’s greatest works. Composed so that the individual elements of the works appear to shift when viewed in relation to each other, the Cubi sculptures are informed by some of the essential qualities of Cubist painting.
In addition to Cubism, the Cubi sculptures recall Smith’s earlier use of abstract figuration. Cubi XXI, for example, evokes classical sculptures in which a human figure leans against a vertical support such as a tree or decorative element.
In addition to Cubism, the Cubi sculptures recall Smith’s earlier use of abstract figuration. Cubi XXI, for example, evokes classical sculptures in which a human figure leans against a vertical support such as a tree or decorative element.
Other works by this artist
Albany I, 1959
Becca, 1964
Five Units Equal, 1956
Personage of May, 1957
Portrait of a Lady Painter, 1954/1956–57
Raven V, 1959
Study in Arcs, 1957
Tanktotem VII, 1960
The Iron Woman, 1954–58
The Sitting Printer, 1954–55
Three Ovals Soar, 1960
Volton XX, 1963
XI Books III Apples, 1959