The artwork, titled “One Ton Prop (House of Cards)” by Richard Serra, was created in 1969. It is an installation piece characterized by its abstract form and is crafted from metal. This minimalist work is currently housed in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork embodies a robust yet simple aesthetic, consisting of four large, rectangular steel plates that precariously balance against each other, forming a cube-like structure. The industrial material and stark geometry emphasize the inherent weight and physicality of the piece, creating a tension between stability and potential collapse. This tension is a hallmark of Serra’s minimalistic approach, inviting viewers to ponder the relationship between material, form, and space. The unadorned surfaces of the metal panels reflect minimalism’s focus on simplicity and primary forms, void of extraneous details or ornamentation.
