**July 2026**: There are two American artists whose works are on display at distinct museums in New York. Up in Dia: Beacon, we have John Chamberlain’s sculptures made from moulding the corroded steel from old automobiles: ![[IMG_3576.jpeg]] His work is said to bring the dynamism of the abstract expressionism movement into sculpture. I think there’s a lot of visual interest in this piece. While his choice of material contributes to my technical appreciation of this piece, it is the abstract ribbons and swirls formed in the metal that I think really stands out. The same form would likely be equally appealing if the sculpture were carved out of marble. The other artist I want to highlight is Carol Bove, whose work is the current primary exhibit at the Guggenheim Museum. She has explored a variety of physical material but her more recent work also centers on manipulating steel into remarkable shapes: ![[IMG_3774.jpeg]] This piece was my favorite of hers on display. Both the yellow object and the support here are made of steel, yet we are presented with a visual illusion where steel imitates fabric. I like how Bove explores material rather than form and does so with sprezzatura.