"Thermotaxis" Steel and Glass Sculpture by Richard Jolley (B. 1952)

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36”H x 48”W x 48”D

In Thermotaxis, master glass artist Richard Jolley orchestrates a compelling visual discourse between industrial grit … Read more 36”H x 48”W x 48”D

In Thermotaxis, master glass artist Richard Jolley orchestrates a compelling visual discourse between industrial grit and fragile elegance. The sculpture’s title refers to the biological phenomenon of movement toward or away from a thermal stimulus—a concept Jolley brilliantly captures through the frozen kinetic energy of glass, a medium born entirely of fire.

The piece centers on a rusted steel framework that bridges two contrasting realms. From the top view, a domed metal cage secures a weathered, copper-patinated silhouette of a human figure marked with a target-like grid. Beneath this industrial armature, cradled within the lower hemisphere of the cage, rests a vibrant cluster of hand-blown glass orbs. Varying in size, texture, and brilliant hues, each individual sphere is a masterful sculpture in its own right.

By juxtaposing the rough, unyielding texture of the cage with the smooth, luminous fragility of the glass, Jolley creates a potent sense of tension and intrigue. The resulting work feels both perilous and protective, a brilliant testament to his philosophy that technical virtuosity must always serve a deeper artistic intent.

“I think all good art speaks to the human spirit. Sometimes it’s technically involved and sometimes it’s not technically involved. If the technique is not used in the service of the intent, it doesn’t matter.” — Richard Jolley

Based in Tennessee, Richard Jolley is globally recognized for his expressive, figurative glass and mixed-media sculptures. After receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, Jolley embarked on a prolific career that includes over 64 solo exhibitions worldwide. His work is held in prestigious permanent collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Among his numerous accolades, Jolley holds the distinction of being the youngest visual artist ever to receive the Tennessee Governor’s Distinguished Artist Award.

Provenance: Property of the Mobile Museum of Art (Mobile, AL). * Deaccessioned and sold to benefit the museum's official Collections, Care, and Acquisitions Fund.

Blown glass, steel and copper.

USA

2003 See less