Ken Price Sculptures @ MET, Priceless

The artist Ken Price who passed away last year is associated with his colorfully speckled, melting shaped sculptures.  His expansive & evolving career spanned 50 years.  His work in painted clay revolutionized clay works  from functional, ceramic crafts into an innovative artform.  The difference between a craftsman & an artist, explains Price, "A craftsman knows what he's going to make and an artist doesn't know what he's going to make, or what the finished product is going to look like." His early works were small objects intented to create an intimate experience.  According to Price "small objects draw you in closer to the physical reality of the piece."  The sculptures all feature apertures which draw you further into the piece.  The sculptures are both enigmatic & suggestive.  Some shapes resemble asteroids, others, geometric & architectural forms.  His later works from what he refers as his "golden period," have an indeterminate fluidity & vivid color combinations.   Note:  Hunchback of Venice '00, which uses undulating & seductive colors.  The layering of colors was not intended for decoration but "an organic fusion between the surface & color." His works are highly regarded for their strikingly bold colors and apertures in the forms.  These voids express a "highway to unconsciouness.  The place where you're open, your mind goes quiet and before long, all kinds of possibilites come."  This extensive Retrospective of Price's work is exciting & contemplative.  It is just not possible to miss.