Conundrum – K.R.'s Metal Art Forms

Status: In a Private Collection

Application: Indoor/Outdoor

Signed: KR2016

“Conundrum” is an abstract sculpture that is comprised of new materials, reclaimed materials and found objects, and it is reflective of my fascination with our attempts to understand the universe around us. The piece strives to explore the concept of infinity and the conundrum it often presents in theoretical attempts to understand a three-dimensional universe. To reflect that conundrum, I have turned the infinity symbol from the horizontal plane it is normally represented in, to a vertical plane and I’ve placed it within the confines of a circle, to represent the confines of a three-dimensional existence. The piece sits atop a single-vortex shaped base that sits outside the dimensional confines of the Universe, representing a black hole and the infinitesimally small point of “singularity” that theoretically exists at its center. Calculations that try to find a unified theory between Einstein’s Theory of Relativity and Quantum Mechanics, often produce a result of infinity. The stainless steel disc that is located at the point where the outer edge of the Universe joins the center of the base, represents the illumination of “where the answers are” for the “conundrum.” Anytime that I can represent the conundrum of contemplating the Universe and our existence in my art, I will.

With the exception of the infinity sign, Conundrum is primarily constructed of found objects. The outer ring that represents the confines of our dimensional universe is a wagon wheel ring from a horse-drawn carriage from the 1800’s. The single-vortex base, that represents the black hole upon which the dimensional universe rests, is a found solid steel object that is three inches thick. THe stainless steel circle that represents where the answers to the conundrum can be found is a found piece of 1/4″ thick stainless steel, that was round in shape when I found it. The piece was cut in half and polished.

Conundrum is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications and it measures 55″ tall, by 53″ wide and 18″deep. The piece would make a wonderful addition to any garden or yard and would work equally as well for many commercial and residential indoor applications.