“Slippery When Wet,” created by Richard Deacon in 2004, is a sculpture that epitomizes the Post-Minimalism art movement. Characterized by its abstract and somewhat fluid form, the artwork challenges traditional perceptions of structure and material use. This piece is renowned for its intricate curvatures and the seemingly delicate balance that holds the composition together, all rendered from an industrial medium.
The sculpture itself is an assemblage of undulating wooden strips meticulously joined, creating an organic yet geometric form that commands attention within the space it occupies. The intertwining and overlapping elements give a sense of movement and tension, as if the materials are perpetually in flux, mirroring the piece’s title. The contrast between the rigid material and the fluid form invites contemplation on the harmony of opposites, making “Slippery When Wet” a profound example of Richard Deacon’s expertise in sculptural innovation and the evocative nature of Post-Minimalism.
