Crescendo

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Crescendo (1983-84/2014-15) has its origins in The Wave of the World, Lynda Benglis' first fountain, made in 1984. It was her first work in bronze and was presented for the first time at the International Exposition in Louisiana (New Orleans) in the same year. It was thought to be lost for years until it turned up in an old wastewater treatment plant in the city of Kenner, just over twenty kilometres from where it was originally installed. It was restored by the artist herself, who modified it to create the fountain we know today.

Benglis refers to this layered creation as: "crustaceans, similar to a shellfish or snail on top of an object, which they make their home". Crescendo is the greatest example of Benglis' famous frozen gesture: capturing an ephemeral, liquid moment into something solid and durable.

Crescendo, 1983-1984/2014-2015

Bronze

111" × 82" × 186" (281.9 cm × 208.3 cm × 472.4 cm)
approximately 4000 lbs
Edition of 3 + 1 AP

Exhibitions

  • Storm King Art Center, Mountainville. "Lynda Benglis: Water Sources," May 16 to November 8, 2015. (1/3)
  • Garde Républicaine, Paris. "Loewe Menswear Show Spring/Summer 2024," June 24, 2023, (2/3)

Bibliography

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