Artwork Description
Tres
Dimensions: 61 x 63 x 1.5″
Year: 2013
Media: Cor-ten and steel
Karen Yank – Tres is a stellar example of the manifestation of the simple, geometric elements that so often occupy Yank’s pieces. The entire piece takes the form of a circle, an element that is featured in nearly every sculpture by Yank. The circle is both inspired by and representative of the many circular concepts in nature, such as the dome of the sky, the sun, the moon, and the cycle of life. This is contrasted by and juxtaposed with the line, which represents the boundary between the earth and the sky while simultaneously paying homage to Yank’s late mentor, Agnes Martin. The line presents itself very obviously in the negative space in the breaks of the piece, as well as more subtly in the form of several vertical lines that fill the circle. The circle and the line are consistently seen interacting in Yank’s sculptures, representative of both the relationship between her and her teacher and the union between the earth and the sky.
Yank is often inspired by the picturesque landscapes of New Mexico, and describes her work as representing not only the nature itself, but rather the emotional impact that one feels when immersed in nature.
Yank primarily works in mixed metals to create her mesmerizing sculptures, citing their strength and durability.
Many of Yank’s award-winning works are featured in museums and galleries throughout the United States. This, along with the large number of public works she has produced, primarily throughout the Southwest, undoubtedly makes her the most established sculptor in the state of New Mexico.
Yank’s work will be featured in an exhibition called “Karen Yank and Agnes Martin: Student and Mentor” at Turner Carroll Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in the summer of 2018.
Lillie Guo