#5: Sculpture

This sculpture in the Renwick appears to be a grandfather clock covered by a sheet.  Standing right next to it, I found myself asking what Art was inherent in throwing a sheet over a clock.  I mean, it seems so obvious. Then my eyes opened, and I really saw what I was looking at.  The artist, Wendell Castle, carved this eerie, haunting sculpture from natural and bleached mahogany.  The sheet is wood; the clock is not a clock.  A completely effective, literally timeless trompe l'oeil, that rises to the level of art by challenging us to carefully consider the validity of the conclusions based on our senses.

How similar the work of John Aschcroft seems to me, now.  Although Justice Department spokespeople insist he knew nothing about it, his clear consternation about being photographed in front of the semi-nude statue
"Spirit of Justice" in the Great Hall of the Justice Department prompted someone to first rent($2000 each event), and then purchase (for $8000) drapes to provide a less distracting backdrop for the cameras.

As I watched him deliver speeches in support of proposals that would encourage citizens to spy on each other (Operation TIPS), and other initiatives that would permit police to spy on domestic groups, and conduct searches without a court order under some circumstances, my eyes drifted to the drapery shielding "The Spirit of Justice" and "The Majesty of Law" from the proceedings.  

And my eyes opened, and I really saw what I was looking at.  A completely effective statement that rises to the level of Art by challenging us to carefully consider the validity of his conclusions based on our sense.

Ashton and the "Spirit of Justice"

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2002/01/29/statues.htm

(Like so many of the Bush artists, Mr. Aschroft inspired others to produce derivative works.  Enjoy the two examples below, both of which, mysteriously, come to the same conclusion.)

http://www.tompaxton.com/lyric_ashcroft.html

http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/valentine.asp