“Cubi VI” is an abstract expressionist steel sculpture created by David Smith in 1963. It is housed in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, Israel. This work is characterized by its geometric composition and its industrial material, reflecting the dynamism and expressive potential of abstract forms.
The artwork features a striking arrangement of polished steel, meticulously crafted into cubic and rectangular shapes that are stacked and balanced in an intricate, yet stable, formation. The composition exudes a sense of both balance and tension through its vertically aligned yet staggered elements. The reflective surfaces of the steel interact with the surrounding environment, capturing and distorting light, underscoring the interplay of form and space. The raw, industrial aesthetic embodies the artist’s innovative approach to materiality and abstraction in the post-war era.
