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Sinking Brick
1966
16 x 39 x 9 1/2 in. (40.64 x 99.06 x 24.13 cm)
Robert Arneson (Benicia, California, 1930 - 1992, Benicia, California)
Renegade Humor (2012)
Robert Arneson created numerous “sinking” objects, ranging from toilets to cups and bricks. One might consider these works as the artist’s commentary on the role of ceramics, which have largely been viewed as primarily functional objects. Arneson’s creations undermine this functionality. He acknowledged the low status of ceramics while endeavoring to legitimize the discipline as a fine art. Sinking Brick bears the factory name “Arneson” – a witty self-portrait and an acknowledgment of his practice as a sculptor.
Nuts and Who's: A Candy Store Sampler, August 11, 2023 – February 25, 2024, Gibson Family Gallery and Plaza Gallery, San José Museum of Art.
Renegade Humor, February 3, 2012 - July 8, 2012, New Wing, Second Floor, Central Skylight and South Metro A Galleries, San José Museum of Art.
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by Artist (20)
by Object Type (7)
Sinking Brick
Sculpture
196616 x 39 x 9 1/2 in. (40.64 x 99.06 x 24.13 cm)
Robert Arneson (Benicia, California, 1930 - 1992, Benicia, California)
Object Type: Sculpture
Medium and Support: Terracotta on artificial grass
Credit Line: Gift of the Lipman Family Foundation for the Peter Selz Collection of Beat and Funk-era Art
Accession Number: 2008.06
SJMA Label Text
Renegade Humor (2012)
Robert Arneson created numerous “sinking” objects, ranging from toilets to cups and bricks. One might consider these works as the artist’s commentary on the role of ceramics, which have largely been viewed as primarily functional objects. Arneson’s creations undermine this functionality. He acknowledged the low status of ceramics while endeavoring to legitimize the discipline as a fine art. Sinking Brick bears the factory name “Arneson” – a witty self-portrait and an acknowledgment of his practice as a sculptor.
Exhibition
Nuts and Who's: A Candy Store Sampler, August 11, 2023 – February 25, 2024, Gibson Family Gallery and Plaza Gallery, San José Museum of Art.
Renegade Humor, February 3, 2012 - July 8, 2012, New Wing, Second Floor, Central Skylight and South Metro A Galleries, San José Museum of Art.
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Dimensions
- Sculpture Dimensions: 16 x 39 x 9 1/2 in. (40.64 x 99.06 x 24.13 cm)
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