Often one understands the intensions and meaning of an artist when one examine one piece. In the case of Clement Meadmore "Three Up", done in l977, clearly illustrates Meadmore's goals. The dimensions of Three Up are: 8 feet by 4 feet two inches by three feet nine inches. It is executed in cor-ten steel. Eric Gibson writing about Three Up in his book The Sculpture of Clement Meadmore (page 85) stated "Instead of individual action, he expresses collective motion, that of acrobats tumbling, ballerinas in slow motion, marcher marching, or some other form of ritualized, yet dynamic, action. This gives these sculptures a different mood from those that preceded them. They are less intense, more playful, and range in feeling from the insouciance of The Saints to the grave elegance of Three Up..." "...Now the concentrated energy of Western expressionism has been exchanged for something closer to the deliberateness of Eastern brush painting." "Meadmore's new sculptures present us with yet another paradox, enclosed volumes arranged according to a Cubist-Constructivist syntax."

Meadmore himself was extremely articulate when describing his work: "My intention is to create geometric sculpture with the intensity of the best modeled and carved sculpture of the past. This is important because modeling and carving no longer seem capable of sustaining a high level of intensity whereas the expressive possibilities of geometry are only just beginning to be explored.

I have three goals: one is to explore geometry's expressive potential. The second is to make the whole sculpture comprehensible from any viewpoint. the third goal is to avoid the feeling of a front and back. These criteria are especially relevant in public spaces.

I believe we have a natural sense of three-dimensional form, which is one of our most basic senses, having its own range of feeling as unique as our range of musical emotions. It is possible to evoke these feelings through geometric form. Good sculpture has always provided moments of visual intensity in the context of somewhat bland urban surroundings, and the potential is even greater as our understanding of geometry is tuned to our natural responses."

As one moves around Three Up one experiences Meadmore's successful three dimensional composition. He has maintained the intensity he set out to achieve by composing in primary form but creating an original and articulate shape. The viewer can be both intrigued by this sculpture's original shape from any angle. In addition, the viewer can experience the intensity of a strong artistic composition that goes beyond words in expressing visual power.

To find out more about Clement Meadmore's work or prices for his sculpture you can contact:
Peter Rose Gallery at 212.759-8173 or
email: ART@PETERROSEGALLERY.COM