Arman Venus de Milo, 2001 takes the iconic silhouette of the Greek sculpture and deconstructs it into industrial iron outlines, which line up in a floating cross-section across a matching base. A slight change the angle at which we view the piece dynamically changes it, as the negative spaces and multiple silhouettes shift and skew. Though the entire piece is virtually one color, the edges shine bright and the deeper slices are thrown into dark shadows, giving the piece a rich variety of values. This dark and metallic, planar and precise Venus has virtually nothing in common with the ivory and soft form of the Grecian marble, yet we instantly recognize its armless contrapposto silhouette. The faceless and two dimensional slices challenge the viewer to question the reverence of the famous sculpture; as we examine the fragmented and constantly transforming work, we begin to wonder what truly defines and differentiates this iron Venus from the marble one. Like with many of his other striking sculptural works, Arman methodically divides the Venus form, creating a beautiful multiplicity of line. With Venus de Milo,  we get an enchanting repetition that arrests the viewer’s eye by presenting the same familiar outline over and over, until we are captivated by it in a way that perhaps we are no longer captivated with the overly-familiar original marble.  Beautifully sharp and captivating, Arman Venus de Milo is a refreshing and smart take on an old classic.

Created in 2001, this sliced iron sculpture on a rectangular base has the signature of Fernandez Arman (Nice, 1928 – New York, 2005) and the edition number from the edition of 80 incised on a plaque on the left side of the sculpture base.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Arman Venus de Milo, 2001 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work)

1. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.