Two by four by eight, two by four by ten

Tony Oursler, 1991

MEDIUMPine
DIMENSIONS9.5 × 8.9 × 304.8 cm (3 3/4 × 3 1/2 × 120 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago

This sculpture by Tony Oursler, made of pine, showcases his early exploration of materials and form, hinting at the innovative multimedia installations he would later become known for.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

Tony Oursler's "Two by four by eight, two by four by ten" is a striking example of his early sculptural work, created in 1991. Oursler, known for his innovative approach to multimedia and installation art, began experimenting with removing the moving image from traditional video monitors in his early installations, often integrating video with constructed sculptural elements. While this particular piece, made of pine, predates his widespread use of video projection onto three-dimensional forms, it hints at his foundational interest in manipulating everyday objects and materials. The title itself, referencing standard lumber dimensions, suggests a deconstruction of the ordinary, inviting viewers to reconsider the inherent qualities and potential of simple construction materials. This work aligns with his contemporary art movement peers, who often challenged conventional artistic boundaries.

ART MOVEMENTS
Video art
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

The raw, unadorned pine material

2

The precise, geometric dimensions

3

The way the title describes the object

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Audio Deep Dive

This sculpture by Tony Oursler, made of pine, showcases his early exploration of materials and form, hinting at the innovative multimedia installations he woul…

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THE ARTIST
Tony Oursler 1957 · United States

Tony Oursler is a multimedia artist who transforms video projection into expressive faces on dolls, objects, and even buildings, creating captivating, often unsettling, narratives.

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