Johnny Bird (Primary Title)
John Chamberlain, American, 1927 - 2011 (Artist)
“The definition of sculpture for me is stance and attitude. All sculpture takes a stance. If it dances on one foot, or even if it dances while sitting down, it has a light-on-its-feet stance.” —John Chamberlain
Chamberlain’s sculptures—salvaged automobile parts welded into complex masses—often transform his materials so completely that it is difficult to tell that they once were pieces of cars. Johnny Bird builds around a central axis and gains further interest from juxtapositions of color, texture, and irregular forms. Chamberlain’s vigorous manipulation of these elements associates his work with Abstract Expressionism, although his use of found materials, and his willingness to embrace popular culture as represented by the car, links his work to the generation following, including Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg.
The Third Dimension: Sculpture of the New York School, Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, NY, December 5, 1984 – March 3, 1985
Selections from the Sydney and Frances Lewis Collection, Richmond Public Library, Richmond, VA, April 1978
John Chamberlain, The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, NY, December 23, 1971 – February 20, 1972
Contemporary Paintings and Sculpture, Parke-Bernet, New York, NY, November 18, 1970
John Chamberlain Sculpture, Martha Jackson Gallery, New York, NY, November 22 - December 17, 1960
14th Festival of Contemporary Art, A.D. White Gallery, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 1960
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.
