"Rust" — Abstract Steel Sculpture, Herbert Simon 1971

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An absolute tour-de-force of mid-century American fine art, "Rust" is a monumental 1971 three-dimensional structural steel work by sculptor and … Read more An absolute tour-de-force of mid-century American fine art, "Rust" is a monumental 1971 three-dimensional structural steel work by sculptor and university professor Herbert Simon. Standing at a commanding 44 inches in height and spanning an expansive 32 inches in width and depth, this architectural sculpture represents the peak of 1970s constructivist and brutalist design. Fabricated from heavy-gauge industrial studio steel, the composition utilizes intersecting geometric planes and hollow structural blocks to manipulate space, casting bold architectural shadows that shift continuously depending on the viewer's perspective. A substantial, gallery-scale work from Simon's personal collection, showcasing his move into large-format welded steel.

About the artist: Herbert Simon (b. 1927) is an American sculptor and printmaker who taught in the art department at Wilkes University from 1969–1992. A student of Hans Hofmann, Robert Motherwell, and Philip Guston, his work bridges the New York School and academic structuralism. His monumental public commissions are permanently installed at major regional landmarks, including the 'Facets' aluminum installation at Wilkes University, the 'Aloft' sculpture at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, and civic plazas across Pennsylvania. This piece was consigned by the artist and acquired through a local auction house. See less