Diamond Column

1975

Cast polyester resin

231.1 x 92.7 x 19 cm (91 x 36 1/2 x 7 1/2 in.)

Diamond Column appears as a vibrant mirage. Its translucid appearance makes us doubt its existence: will these warm waves soon vanish? But while this is the impression suggested by a frontal view of the work, walking around it reveals its plastic existence. An egg-shaped painstakingly polished cast polyester resin tube, its thickness is revealed by the bluish appearance of the material.

Strongly influenced by the lights and colours of the seascapes and skies of Southern California, DeWain Valentine uses industrial plastic and resins to produce monumental sculptures with extraordinary reflective properties. Diamond Column is a perfect example of this technique, with its smooth and brilliant finish that underscores the diffraction and transparency properties of the light spectrum.

The sculpture Diamond Column by DeWain Valentine is part of the Pinault Collection. It was first shown at the 2016 “Accrochage” ("Hanging") exhibition at the Punta della Dogana.
Exhibitions