Quanta of Space: The Bosom Sculpture of Ibram Lassaw

Ibram Lassaw (1913–2003) was an Abstract Expressionist artist known for his large-scale sculptures and wearable sculptures. Between 1951 and the late 1990s, he produced an extraordinary array of jewelry in forms unlike any other artist at the time. The book "Quanta of Space: The Bosom Sculpture of Ibram Lassaw" features 37 unique pendants and necklaces alongside nine full-size sculptures that Lassaw created between 1938 and 1996. Essays by Nancy G. Heller, Denise Lassaw, and Marin R. Sullivan provide insight into his life and times and the dynamic forces that inspired him.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 05 September 2023
Publisher: Scheidegger und Spiess AG, Verlag

Ibram Lassaw, an Abstract Expressionist artist renowned for his visionary sculptures that exuded an otherworldly aura, is lesser known for his remarkable wearable sculptures. Similar to his colossal works, known as the Bosom Sculptures, Lassaw's wearable creations were deeply influenced by his extensive exploration of diverse subjects such as Zen Buddhism, cosmology, and quantum physics. Spanning from 1951 to the late 1990s, Lassaw produced an extraordinary collection of jewelry that defied convention and pushed the boundaries of artistic expression. With his unique approach, he fused various metals and employed innovative techniques, colors, and forms that he had developed for his large sculptures. Lassaw's welded and braised necklaces, although visually simple, carried a profound resemblance to celestial entities, reminiscent of sea anemones and nebulae, with their intricate biomorphic tendrils and interconnected clusters.

Published to coincide with an exhibition at Figge Art Museum in Davenport, Iowa, "Quanta of Space: The Bosom Sculpture of Ibram Lassaw" showcases a remarkable collection of 37 unique pendants and necklaces, alongside nine full-size sculptures that Lassaw created between 1938 and 1996. Accompanying the exhibition are insightful essays that provide a deeper understanding of Lassaw's life, his artistic journey, and the dynamic forces that fueled his creativity. Contributions from Nancy G. Heller, professor emerita at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Denise Lassaw, the artist's daughter, collaborator, and archivist, and Marin R. Sullivan, a scholar of art history, curator, and writer, enrich the narrative and offer valuable insights into the artist's remarkable oeuvre.

Ibram Lassaw's wearable sculptures serve as a testament to his unwavering dedication to artistic exploration and his ability to transcend conventional boundaries. Through his visionary creations, he invited viewers to embark on a sensory journey, connecting with the cosmos and embracing the extraordinary within the ordinary. His legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences, reminding us of the power of art to transport us to new realms of imagination and perception.

Weight: 964g
Dimension: 280 x 240 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783858818904