Charles Ginnever, Koronas, 1978

Charles Ginnever, Koronas, 1978
Steel, Collection Neuberger Museum of Art, Purchase College, SUNY, Gift from the Research Foundation of the State University of New York, EL 10.2000.01

Charles Ginnever was a pioneering American sculptor known for his large-scale abstract metal works that challenge traditional ideas of form and space. His sculptures are designed to engage viewers in an active experience, encouraging movement and exploration. Ginnever often used industrial materials like steel to create dynamic shapes that shift dramatically depending on the viewer’s angle, blurring the line between solid structure and optical illusion.

Koronas (1978) exemplifies this approach. Originally exhibited at SUNY Albany for its 175th anniversary, the sculpture now finds a permanent home at Purchase College, where it quietly transforms the space around it. With its bold, angular planes, Koronas appears to fold and unfold as you walk by, inviting viewers to reconsider their perception of balance, gravity, and perspective.

Through Koronas and his broader body of work, Ginnever pushes the boundaries of sculpture, transforming metal into a fluid, ever-changing visual experience that both surprises and delights.