"Black Rotation" Vase
Standardization has long been a goal of mass-production. Among the most interesting aspects of Pesce's work, however, is his interest in the purposeful imperfection of mass-produced objects—that is, nonstandard, one-of-a-kind pieces made with industrial techniques and materials. Although the overall form and dimensions of each example of a particular design remain more or less the same, details such as the specific shape, coloration, or surface pattern will vary. To make this vase, viscous liquid resin was poured over a rotating mold, creating an uneven object formed entirely by gravity and the flow of the material as it was poured by hand and then allowed to harden. Peaks droop, edges spread, and the whole jiggles when touched.
Artwork Details
- Title: "Black Rotation" Vase
- Artist: Gaetano Pesce (Italian, La Spezia 1939–2024 New York)
- Date: 2005
- Medium: Polyurethane elastomer
- Dimensions: H. 15 x Diam. 21 in. (38.1 x 53.3 cm)
- Classification: Plastic
- Credit Line: Gift of the artist, 2006
- Object Number: 2006.125
- Curatorial Department: Modern and Contemporary Art
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