Ned Vena (AMERICAN B. 1982), UNTITLED, 2012

Lot description

NED VENA (AMERICAN B. 1982)UNTITLED, 2012Adhesive, vinyl, steel door, hinges200 x 180cm (78½ x 70¾ in.), in two parts Provenance:Bülow Wichelhaus, Berlin Acquired from the above in 2012The meticulous creative process of Brooklyn-based Ned Vena combines non-traditional materials with technology. His abstract works have been exhibited at Société Berlin, White Columns New York, and the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis. These two doors were featured alongside eight others in Vena's 2012 solo show at White Flag Projects, Missouri. Their dark, imposing silhouettes recall the minimalism of Frank Stella - a lifelong influence - in particular his early 'Black Paintings'. Indeed, Vena's focus on form chimes with the older artist's maxim 'what you see is what you see'. What is seen, in this case, is Vena's delicate craftsmanship and mathematical precision. Upon approach, these striking panels resolve themselves into a complication of vinyl lines. Thus does Vena subvert the function and simplicity of his chosen objects, questioning the relationship between art and the everyday.