Lot Essay
Chamberlain is a master of improvisation, with the unique ability to make provocative artworks with virtually any medium. In addition to his work in steel, Chamberlain created important works in urethane foam, ceramic and, as in the present lot, polymer resin (Plexiglas). Just as Chamberlain created sculpture using Donald Judd's airconditioning ducts, in 1970 he made a series of transparent sculptures that were related to the works of his friend Larry Bell, in whose studio he was working. In 1970, Chamberlain made a small number of sculptures by taking Plexiglas boxes, placing them in walk-in ovens and then manipulating them when they reached the point of collapse. He coated them with various minerals, which give the works an iridescent quality. Many of these rare works are either in museum collections, including the Dia Art Foundation or important private collections.