Isa Melsheimer
This group of works by Isa Melsheimer (b. 1968, Neuss) was created in 2011, for an exhibition at Mudam. They play homage to the work of architect Ieoh Ming Pei (b. 1917, Canton – d. 2019, New York) and specifically celebrate his projects for the East Wing of the National Gallery in Washington, DC (Gouache no. 281, 1978), the helical staircase in the Mudam (Gouache no. 282, 2006) and the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art in Ithaca, New York (Gouache no. 284, 1973). Other details, such as the grey crane (a symbol of longevity and wisdom in ancient China) and the hyperboloid forms made with silver-plated wire (which appear to take flight like a crane) provide additional references to Pei and his work, in particular the (unrealised) Hyperboloid Tower for New York designed in 1956. The installation Plywood Palace takes the form of the Hancock Tower (1976) in Boston, Massachusetts, designed by Henry N. Cobb of the firm I.M Pei & Partners. The building was renamed the Plywood Palace after its glass walls were knocked out by a strong wind and replaced by plywood.
Artworks
Isa Melsheimer Bergstadt, 2009 Verre et silicone
48 x 110 x 90 cm
Collection Mudam Luxembourg
Acquisition 2010
© Photos : Rémi Villaggi
Isa Melsheimer Plywood Palace, 2011 Verre, bois, gouache sur papier
140 x 80 x 90 cm
Commande et Collection Mudam Luxembourg
Acquisition 2011
© Photo : Rémi Villagi
Isa Melsheimer Gouaches n°281, 282, 284, 2011 Gouache et fil argenté sur papier
42 x 56 cm chacune
Commande et Collection Mudam Luxembourg
Acquisitions 2011
© Photo : Rémi Villagi