Clement L. Meadmore (Australian, 1929-2005) THROUGH WAY

Description:

Clement L. Meadmore (Australian, 1929-2005)

THROUGH WAY, 1965
Unsigned.
Steel, 78 x 19 x 18 in. (198.1 x 48.2 x 45.7 cm),without base.
Condition: Oxidation, minor scrapes.

Provenance: The estate of Audrey Deckoff of Manhattan to current owner.

N.B. Australian-American sculptor Clement Meadmore is known for his massive outdoor steel sculptures. He trained as an aeronautical engineer at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, but did not complete his degree. Instead, during the 1950s, he worked as an industrial designer, specializing in furniture. In his designs, Meadmore experimented with steel, laminates, and cord, basic materials that would later inform his aesthetic practice.

Meadmore began making his first welded steel sculptures after a trip to Europe in 1953. The textured surfaces and monolithic quality of his massive steel slabs must have been inspired by the prehistoric sites of Carnac, Stonehenge, and Avebury. In 1963, Meadmore relocated to New York City where he met members of the Abstract Expressionist group, including David Smith. As a result, Meadmore began to create more geometric sculpture, yet still maintaining a heavy, monumental quality. It is in the United States that Meadmore created this sculpture, originally part of a series titled CRISS CROSS, which included five sculptures in all. The series was later separated into groups of three and two, and the latter were sold separately. That is why THROUGH WAY is now a stand-alone work.

Just after this series, Meadmore's style shifted direction, and he began to use curves in his sculptures. His later work is more dynamic, as the long, twisted square-faced forms become seemingly weightless, rather than static and grounded. Meadmore's sculptures can be found in the collections of museums, corporate headquarters, and schools internationally. His work has been exhibited in a number of galleries, including the Anita Shapolsky Gallery in New York City, the Columbus Gallery of Fine Art in Ohio, and the Davenport Municipal Art Gallery in Iowa.

We would like to thank Hugo Rivera, from the Meadmore Studio in New York City, for his help in preparing this entry.
Estimate $15,000-25,000

Oxidation on the right side of the sculpture. Scrapes to the patina throughout the surface. No further condition issues to report.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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