Late 20th Century "Just Making Way for Progress" – Monumental Arched Modernist Installation by Ann T. Cooper

Details

Description

About the Piece
Creator: Ann T. Cooper (American, 1935–2005)
Creation Year: Circa 1980s-1990s
Dimensions: Height: 80 in (203.2 cm) | … Read more About the Piece
Creator: Ann T. Cooper (American, 1935–2005)
Creation Year: Circa 1980s-1990s
Dimensions: Height: 80 in (203.2 cm) | Width: 60 in (152.4 cm) | Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
Medium: Mixed Media on Canvas and Solid Wood
Movement & Style: Modernist / Southern Contemporary
Period: Late 20th Century
Condition: Excellent. Consistent with age and use.

A monumental and rare two-part architectural art installation by the noted New Orleans modernist Ann T. Cooper. A graduate of Newcomb College, Cooper was a pivotal figure in the Louisiana art scene, though this particular work represents a rare and striking departure from her traditional botanical subjects.

Titled "JUST Making Way For Progress," the work serves as a vibrant, satirical commentary on urban development and ecological shifts. The composition features Cooper's signature bold, graphic planes of color, centered around a central industrial motif and flanked by stylized vultures.

Architectural Presence:
The piece is uniquely constructed in two modular sections:
• A massive 60" x 66" lower canvas.
• A custom-cut 60" x 14" solid wood arched "lunette" topper that completes the silhouette.
This "shaped support" construction creates a commanding, altar-like presence, making it an ideal statement piece for high-ceilinged interiors or architectural alcoves.

Modern Integration:
The installation has been thoughtfully updated with integrated, WiFi-enabled Philips Hue smart lighting, allowing the collector to customize the back-glow and atmospheric "mood" of the piece via mobile device. See less