Efficiency Men
2005
3 characters: steel and silicone
Pink character: 230 x 55 x 120 cm (90 9/16 x 21 5/8 x 47 1/4 in.) Green character: 230 x 55 x 110 cm (90 9/16 x 21 5/8 x 43 5/16 in.) Yellow character: 230 x 55 x 119 cm (90 9/16 x 21 5/8 x 46 7/8 in.)
Depicting the human figure in sculpture occupies a prominent place in the work of Thomas Schütte, a major artist on the international contemporary scene. The weird, monumental triptych Efficiency Men, which belongs to the Pinault Collection, is especially representative of his unparalleled work.
Like most of Schütte's sculptures, Efficiency Men was designed from small models in clay and wire. Enlarging them heightens the contrast between the huge skeletons’ frail structure and the massive industrial roof covering them. The silicone heads’ scowling faces add to the procession’s absurd nature. The title, Efficiency Men, contrasts with the precariousness of the figures, who are chained to each other and trying to stand up.
This sculpture from the Pinault Collection is one of Schütte's masterpieces in every respect. It was first displayed in 2007 at the "Post-Pop" exhibition at the Palazzo Grassi in Venice and has been loaned and exhibited many times across Europe.
Like most of Schütte's sculptures, Efficiency Men was designed from small models in clay and wire. Enlarging them heightens the contrast between the huge skeletons’ frail structure and the massive industrial roof covering them. The silicone heads’ scowling faces add to the procession’s absurd nature. The title, Efficiency Men, contrasts with the precariousness of the figures, who are chained to each other and trying to stand up.
This sculpture from the Pinault Collection is one of Schütte's masterpieces in every respect. It was first displayed in 2007 at the "Post-Pop" exhibition at the Palazzo Grassi in Venice and has been loaned and exhibited many times across Europe.
Exhibitions
Thomas SCHÜTTE © Adagp, Paris.
Photo : Nic Tenwiggenhorn
Vue d'exposition, Museu de Arte Contemporânea - Fundaçao de Serralves, Porto, 23 juillet - 25 septembre 2005
