Sky Cathedral–Moon Garden Wall

1956–60

Louise Nevelson

(American, born Russian Empire [now Ukraine], 1900–1988)

Culture

United States

Medium

painted wood

Measurements

Overall: 217.5 x 191.1 x 31.8 cm (85 5/8 x 75 1/4 x 12 1/2 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of the Mildred Andrews Fund 1974.76

This artwork is known to be under copyright.

Location

227 Abstract Expressionism

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Did You Know?

Nevelson often illuminated her black painted sculptures with blue light, creating a somber, mysterious mood.

Description

Louise Nevelson’s decision to make artworks out of wood was a direct response to men working in sculpture who preferred metal. For Nevelson, wood was an organic substance that did not readily evoke military hardware, which she was eager to avoid. Characteristically, the artist painted her wood assemblages a uniform black, adding to their mystery; she once described herself as an “architect of shadows.”