MONUMENTAL SCULPTURES BY ELLSWORTH KELLY
NOW ON VIEW AT THE MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM

WORKS INCLUDE ONE BRONZE AND TWO WOOD PIECES,
ACCOMPANIED BY A SELECTION OF PREPARATORY
STUDIES, MODELS, AND DRAWINGS

New York, NY, June 19, 2012—Beginning today, three large-scale sculptures by Ellsworth Kelly are on exhibit in The Morgan Library & Museum's multi-storied, glass-enclosed Gilbert Court.

Each of the works offers a similar quiet, spare form that rises from a narrow base to a slightly wider top. The materials from which they are made—bronze, mahogany, and redwood—provide variations in color, surface, and texture. The pureness of the edges of the pieces bears stylistic similarities to the clean lines in Mr. Kelly’s paintings.

The presentation also includes studies, models, and drawings that, in particular, speak to Kelly’s working method and show the artist’s exploration of sculptural form.

An icon of modernism whose paintings grace the walls of museums throughout the world, Mr. Kelly is less known for his work as a sculptor. Yet his interest in the discipline dates to the 1950s and the early years of his career when he began to work with wood, attracted to the beauty of its grain and colors. In the ensuing years and to the present day, he has continued his interest in the discipline.

The exhibition will remain on view in the Gilbert Court through September 9, 2012.

ORGANIZATION AND SPONSORSHIP 

Ellsworth Kelly: Sculpture is organized by Isabelle Dervaux, Acquavella Curator, Modern and Contemporary Drawings.

The installation is made possible by the Ricciardi Family Exhibition Fund, and by a generous donation from Susanna and Livio Borghese, in honor of Parker Gilbert and in appreciation of his many contributions to The Morgan Library & Museum.

The activities of The Morgan Library & Museum are made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.