Len Lye's Firebush
'Fire Bush' 1961 (2007 reconstruction by the Len Lye Foundation).
Kinetic Sculpture (stainless steel rods, motorised base)
1200 x 1900 mm.
Len Lye Foundation Collection, Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre
When Len Lye's 'Firebush' performs, the stainless steel plume is vibrated to form a frenzied dance. This rigorous kinetic sculpture is part of Len Lye's 'Fountain' family.
A gently rotating spray of stainless steel rods, 'Fountain' is one of Len Lye’s most graceful kinetic sculptures. Five different versions of this work, ranging from table-top sculptures to near-monumental works, were brought together for the first time in an exhibition alongside a shimmering variation called 'Firebush', at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery 7 Dec 2007 - 24 Feb 2008. Curated by Tyler Cann, the Len Lye Curator at the time.
'Five Fountains' was a rare opportunity to experience the works simultaneously, with a new perspective on the importance of scale in Lye’s work.
Several of the works featured in the exhibition had not been seen in decades. In 1961 the Museum of Modern Art in New York showed 'Firebush'. The Len Lye Foundation then reconstructed the work according to the artist’s design and wishes. In this exhibition the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery also presented one 'Fountain' owned by the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, and another on loan from Len Lye’s grandson, Benjamin Lindenhahn.
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Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre
42 Queen Street
New Plymouth
Aotearoa New Zealand