Helene Brandt
born 1936, Philadelphia, PA
works in New York, NY
The Portable Bridge, 1983, welded steel, wood, paint, 3' x 3' x 22'; Lent by the Artist
All of Brandt's works, constructed of bent and welded steel tubing, and in many cases, joined in latticework patterns, take on an architectural and skeletal feel. Portable Bridge, in particular, references a wheelbarrow, a biplane, or a boardwalk. This piece, though structurally strong and solid, is light, aerodynamic, and actually seems capable of self-propulsion. The bridge, as a suspension between two separate points, and the wheel, as a major mode of transportation, are joined together in this piece, suggesting the possibility of endless, fantastic, and flexible travel. Having once studied with famous modern dancer and choreographer, Martha Graham, Brandt reflects this influence on her artwork by addressing the dynamic aspects of motion and space.
