The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art announced on Apr. 7 that its ongoing series, Kemper x KU: Collection Spotlights, is featuring writings on Louise Nevelson’s Untitled and Harry Bertoia’s Two Column Sonambient Sculpture. The spotlight is part of a collaboration with the University of Kansas to share insights about the museum’s collection.
This initiative aims to provide in-depth analysis and context for significant artworks, offering museum visitors and the public a closer look at both the creative process and historical background behind each piece.
Alessia Serra, a master’s student in art history at the University of Kansas, wrote about Nevelson’s Untitled. Serra describes how Nevelson transformed found wooden objects into monochromatic assemblages: “Painted entirely black, the artwork’s uniform, dark color softens distinctions between individual components, emphasizing line, shape, and volumetric form.” Serra notes that Nevelson considered black as “the essence of the universe,” inspired by New York City’s nightscape. The artist’s use of discarded materials reflects her early experiences as an immigrant from Ukraine who often felt like an outsider.
Cara Castaldi, a master’s student in museum studies at the University of Kansas, contributed an essay on Bertoia’s Two Column Sonambient Sculpture. Castaldi explains that Bertoia was influenced by his family’s musical background and began experimenting with metal sculptures for their sonic properties: “Each sculpture produces a sound as the metal rods collide and brush past each other…either by ‘playing’ them directly or allowing them to be activated by natural occurrences such as wind blowing through the sculpture or shaking created by footsteps.” According to Castaldi’s research, no two Sonambients are identical; each offers unique visual and auditory experiences.
Both essays underscore how these artists used unconventional materials—wood for Nevelson and metal for Bertoia—to challenge traditional boundaries in art. Their work continues to resonate with contemporary audiences interested in transformation through art.
The Kemper x KU series will continue to feature new writings from students that explore other works within the museum’s collection.
