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Artist/Maker
Robert Melee
(American, born 1966)
Date2006
MediumPlaster, enamel, canvas on wood, and fiberglass
DimensionsOverall: 139.7 x 67.3 x 100.3 cm (55 x 26 1/2 x 39 1/2 in.)
Credit LineGift of E. M. Bakwin, Class of 1950
Object number2012.3.16
On view
Description
This sculpture is one of a series of similar works created by Robert Melee, to which he applies glossy drips and splatters of enamel paint in a technique he has referred to as a poor version or imitation of the romantic practice of marbleizing, “like plastic household surfaces a la formica.” His application may bring to mind the drip paintings of Abstract Expressionism. Although at times the artist has restricted his palette to black, white, and grey, pops of yellow and gold also appear in this work. Stuck suggests the upper body of a figure thrusting its arms upward. The weight of the paint, which hangs off the figure like carved drapery, seems to drag the figure downward regardless of its actions. The sculpture’s exuberant materiality is ambiguously attractive and grotesque, bringing to mind melted wax or wet cement (SOURCE: Wellin Museum permanent collection label, Summer 2016).
Collections
Additional Details
Exhibition History
2006
New York, NY. Andrew Kreps Gallery. "The Armory Show," March 9 - March 13, 2006.
New York, NY. Andrew Kreps Gallery. "The Armory Show," March 9 - March 13, 2006.
Provenance
2012: Hamilton College (Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art), by gift of E. M. Bakwin;
2006 - 2012: E. M. Bakwin, by purchase from Andrew Kreps Gallery;
2006: Andrew Kreps Gallery, for sale from artist.
2006 - 2012: E. M. Bakwin, by purchase from Andrew Kreps Gallery;
2006: Andrew Kreps Gallery, for sale from artist.
Robert Melee
Date: 2005
Medium: Enamel paint, canvas, and plaster on wood
Object number: 2012.3.15
Jamea Richmond-Edwards
Date: 2018
Medium: Pigment print with silkscreen diamond dust and gold foil
Object number: 2020.1
Unknown artist
Date: after 1850
Medium: Cast plaster with pigment
Object number: S2023.3.1-3
Renée Stout
Date: 2008-10
Medium: Acrylic, latex paint, spray paint, plastic rhinestones, wood, glass, metal, varnish, collage, and found objects
Object number: 2016.2
Yashua Klos
Date: 2022
Medium: Woodblock print on muslin and oil-based, relief block ink on canvas, acrylic, spray paint, Japanese rice paper, mounted on drop cloth
Object number: 2022.4