Molten Metals
On View Now
For centuries, artists have pushed the boundaries of metalwork, using heat, force, and ingenuity to shape this powerful medium into stunning works of art. Whether conforming to industrial aesthetics or defying them, their metallic creations embody the dynamic relationship between the organic elements of nature and the precise geometry of modern man-made industrialism.
Molten Metals highlights standout works from the Neuberger Museum of Art’s permanent collection, showcasing a range of techniques. Beverly Pepper’s Model for Split Pyramid demonstrates welding, where segments of Corten steel are permanently joined with heat. Harry Bertoia’s Construction (Radiant) uses soldering—a similar process that bonds metal parts with an alloy. Dorothy Dehner’s Long Landscape exemplifies casting, where molten bronze is poured into a mold and cooled to form a single unified shape.
The results are both organic and geometric, fluid and precise. Nancy Graves and Ann Sperry channel natural forms like flora and fauna, while Wendy Ross and Beverly Pepper lean toward molecular, minimalist designs. Each work explores the evolving possibilities of metal, transforming industrial techniques into something unexpectedly beautiful.
Organized by the Neuberger Museum of Art and curated by Curatorial Assistant Rebecca Elisabeta Marya (Rem) Ribeiro, Molten Metals celebrates the artistry of transformation. This exhibition is generously supported by the Friends of the Neuberger Museum of Art.