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Item Name: Sculpture
Title: Tall Cabinet
Maker: Brian Gladwell
Year: 1990
Country: Canadian
Materials: cardboard, paint, glue, fibreboard, lacquer
Measurements: overall: 202.5 cm x 56.5 cm x 34.5 cm
ID Number: PC90.12
Legal Status: PERMANENT COLLECTION


Extended Label Info: Brian Gladwell explores the boundaries of furniture, architecture and formalist sculpture in his art practice. To make this artwork, he combined unexpected humble material, such as recycled cardboard and fibreboard, combining them to create a functional yet playfully decorated cabinet with shelves and a door. He laminates the cardboard to provide strength, and then cut the layers at an angle to reveal the repetitive visual patterns inherent in its core structure. Painted with rich colours the planes of the cabinet contrast the edges of the shelves and sides, which are highlighted in gold to emphasize their lines. Resultingly, Gladwell’s use of cardboard, which is typically associated with consumerism and mass production, along with his attention to detail and fine craftsmanship creates an interesting conversation around how we attribute “value” to art and everyday objects. Brian Gladwell (1947 - ) Born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. He studied political science at the University of Saskatchewan (1966-1970), before moving to Fort Qu'Appelle, and learning carpentry by working on furniture. In 1973, Gladwell opened his own furniture studio, and in 1983 began serving as Woodworker-in-Residence at the Neil Balkwill Civic Art Centre in Regina. Gladwell has also been artist in residence at University of Wisconsin in Madison, the School of Art + Design at Purchase College in New York, and Sheridan College School of Craft and Design in Ontario. His work has been shown in museum exhibitions nationally and internationally, is included in major public and private collections, and has earned numerous provincial and national grants and awards. Gladwell is Past president of The Furniture Society, an international association to advance the art of studio furniture making.