INNERTIDAL
SCULPTURE BY BENJAMIN HELLER
ROBIN RICE GALLERY, HUDSON NY - AUG 17 - OCT 13, 2024
The title of Benjamin Heller’s group of 14 sculptures, “Inner Tidal” refers to an “Intertidal Zone”, which is the edge of an ecosystem that is alternately above and below the waterline at the edge of a river or ocean. The handmade wood and stone sculptures are of an intimate human scale that can be held in the hands or hold the body. The pieces are punctuated by the intimate landmarks of the interior and exterior of the human body abstracted by the fluid natural forces that transform the landscape. This phenomenon of solid yet moving ground is also present in the nested bases that are carved hold the impression of the sculptures.
The works build a body of transformed surfaces, intensely process-based and containing an encounter with materials that span physical time, ranging from the geological, ancient, and into the contemporary and industrial. Natural stone, wood, oil pigments, lead, and steel - each speaks to the other on molecular and philosophical levels.
The carved “Drop” sculptures are solid wood, yet fluid in form and movement. They are self-balancing so that they can be held and moved into different relationship with each other. In order to achieve this fluidity and carefully balanced center of gravity, these sculptures are painstakingly hand made through a gradual and labor intensive process of carving, sanding, and being carved internally and filled with lead as ballast.
SEVEN - 29x8x29” - Bloodwood, Mahogany, Sapele, and Walnut , Internal Lead Ballast, on Oak - 2024
SIREN - 24x4x6” - CARVED OAK, STEEL - 2016
The earth-tones and fluid features of the carved golden oak and steel of “Siren” is presented on a pedestal centered in the exhibition. The smooth, watery surface, carved from a two foot section of a weathered beam, is punctuated by waves that resemble both a rib cage and ripples in sand formed by wind or water. Viewers are invited to touch and engage with the tactile aspects of this work. Heller’s intention is for it to be viewed from all sides, as the light shifts across the polished surface to reveal the sculpture’s subtleties in relief, with formations, pathways and curves that encourage touch.
THEY - CARVED MAHOGANY, INTERNAL LEAD BALLAST, OIL PIGMENT ON BASSWOOD - 2024
