Contessa
Designer Ron Nagle American
Not on view
Topped by various openings, Ron Nagle's objects could at first glance seem like functional cups or vases. Closer inspection, however, reveals that they are often bottomless, too small or too fanciful for practical use. Such twists allow Nagle to indulge fantasies of shape, texture, and color. An undulating edge animates the foot of Contessa, as if it might slide away like a slug. Funky, graphic coloring and off-kilter, earthen, or fleshlike surfaces echo the fanciful mix-and-match of other prominent artists, from Milan’s Memphis Group and Chicago’s Hairy Who to the California ceramicists Ken Price and Peter Shire.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.