Object (Roses des Vents) (1942-1953) by Joseph Cornell

Object (Roses des Vents) - Joseph Cornell - 1953

Artwork Information

TitleObject (Roses des Vents)
ArtistJoseph Cornell
Date1953
Dimensions2 5/8 x 21 1/4 x 10 3/8 in.
Art MovementSurrealism
Current LocationThe Museum of Modern Art, New York

About Object (Roses des Vents)

“Object (Roses des Vents)”, crafted by the artist Joseph Cornell in 1953, is an exemplar of Surrealism, an art movement characterized by its exploration of the unconscious mind and dreamlike imagery. The artwork, with dimensions of 2 5/8 x 21 1/4 x 10 3/8 inches, is an installation that can be found in the permanent collection of The Museum of Modern Art in New York.

The artwork presents a rectangular box with a glass front that houses a collection of varied objects, displayed in a compartmentalized manner. The back of the box features a map, providing a canvas that juxtaposes the mundanity of navigation and geographical order with the whimsy of surrealistic expression. Within the box, each compartment seems to contain disparate, yet meticulously arranged items, from printed papers and found objects to natural elements like shells and feathers. This curatorial choice of objects appears whimsical and enigmatic, inviting viewers to imagine narratives or associations between the contents.

Cornell’s assemblage encourages a dialogue between the elements, intertwining themes of travel, memory, and the subconscious. The map, a portrayal of a world both real and imagined, unites the seemingly unrelated objects, suggesting that each item may hold significance as a symbol or a metaphor, contributing to a larger, cohesive whole. The precise organization conveys intention, while the use of everyday objects cloaked in mystery underscores Surrealism’s fascination with exposing the extraordinary in the ordinary.

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