Towering above you, Cubi VII, a monolithic sculpture of stainless steel, stands proud in the North Garden of the Art Institute of Chicago. Sculpted by the renowned artist David Smith in 1963, it’s a captivating piece that reflects the bold spirit of abstract expressionism.
This imposing work of art is part of a series of sculptures known as the ‘Cubi,’ each a testament to David Smith’s mastery of manipulating steel. The series takes its name from the Latin word for ‘cube,’ and Cubi VII, as its name suggests, is the seventh sculpture in the series. The massive, geometric forms of the sculpture are almost like a series of stacked boxes, but with a distinctly precarious balance. This precarious stacking is not just an aesthetic feature but a symbolic representation of the dichotomy between solid material and free-flowing form that lies at the heart of Smith’s work.
Here, right before you, a sculptor’s vision takes form, a testament to the evolution of modern sculpture. It almost appears to be a single piece of steel, welded together to create a complex and challenging form. However, the intricate arrangement of forms and the play of light on the polished surface make this sculpture a masterpiece, a work that captures the essence of the 20th-century artistic scene.
Cubi VII was acquired by the Art Institute of Chicago from the artist’s estate, a fitting testament to the profound impact the sculpture had on the art world, and its place among the most prominent pieces of modern art.