Lever (1966)

Lever is a 1966 minimalist sculpture by Carl Andre.

Lever (1966)
ArtistCarl Andre
Year1966
Medium137 firebricks
Dimensions11.4 cm × 22.5 cm × 883.9 cm (0.37 ft × 0.74 ft × 28 ft)
LocationNational Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario

Background

Carl Andre is credited with changing the history of sculpture.[1] Andre's works can be characterized by four important characteristics, flatness, modular compositions using standardized untransformed materials in repetition, generic space and use of ordinary materials and forms.[2] One of Andre's most important works, is titled "Lever."[1] Carl Andre's Lever was one of the most audacious entries in the groundbreaking exhibition 1966 Primary Structures exhibition at New York's Jewish Museum that introduced the public to Minimalism.[3]

‘Lever’, which consists of a single line of 137 firebricks, was exhibited along with fellow minimalists – Dan Flavin, John McCracken, Donald Judd among them – who were intently creating a new American art.[4] The work transforms a space very simply, and the bricks hug the floor.[2] ‘Lever’ projects out from the wall and straight across the floor and was likened by Andre to a fallen column.[3]

Response
Carl Andre, Lever, 1966, 137 firebricks, 11.4 x 22.5 x 883.9 cm installed

The exhibiting of ‘Lever’ at “Primary Structures” brought recognition to Carl Andre.[5] Lever startled gallery visitors, as it interrupted their movement and, in its simplicity, was annoying.[3] Made from easily available building materials ("anyone could do it: where was the art?"), Lever demanded respect from thoughtful viewers while undermining traditional artistic values.[3] Andre's use of common industrial materials was radical at the time, and he arranged them on-site in grids or in other simple geometric configurations.[4] Such provocations became routine for Andre: "my ambition as an artist is to be the 'Turner of matter.'[3] The artist made space itself his primary concern and celebrated materials for their own sake.[4]

In 1970, the Guggenheim gave Andre his first solo museum show.[4] Mr. Andre's sculpture, Lever, has subsequently been displayed at Dia Beacon.[6]

References
  1. Michel, Karen (22 Jun 2014). "With Blocks And Bricks, A Minimalist Returns To The Gallery". npr.org. National Public Radio. Retrieved 23 Aug 2020.
  2. "Carl Andre - Lever". gallery.ca. The National Gallery of Canada. Retrieved 23 Aug 2020.
  3. Wolf, Justin (21 Mar 2015). "Minimalism Movement Overview and Analysis". theartstory.org. The Art Story. Retrieved 23 Aug 2020.
  4. Belcove, Julie (25 Jan 2013). "My work doesn't mean a damn thing". ft.com. The Financial Times. Retrieved 23 Aug 2020.
  5. Tompkins, Calvin (28 Nov 2011). "The Materialist - Carl Andre's eminent obscurity". newyorker.com. The New Yorker. Retrieved 23 Aug 2020.
  6. Pollack, Maika (7 May 2014). "Carl Andre: Sculpture as Place, 1958–2010". observer.com. The Observer. Retrieved 23 Aug 2020.
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