Krach

Philip West, 1987

MEDIUMPapier-mâché, acrylic, gouache, plastic
DIMENSIONS118 × 128 × 40 cm (46 1/2 × 50 1/2 × 15 3/4 in.); Pedestal: 80 × 60 × 60 cm (31 1/2 × 23 3/4 × 23 3/4 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago
COLLECTIONContemporary Art
CREDIT LINEThrough prior gift of Joseph Winterbotham; Claire and Gordon Prussian Fund for Contemporary Art; through prior gifts of Leo S. Guthman, Florence S. McCormick, and Mary and Leigh Block; purchased with funds provided by Martin Friedman and Peggy Casey-Friedman; Marlene and Robert Baumgarten and Oscar L. Gerber Memorial endowment funds; purchased with funds provided by Betty and Edward Harris and David Egeland and Andrew Friedman

Stop and observe "Krach," a dynamic sculpture that captures a moment of intense, almost violent energy through fragmented forms and rough textures. It's a powerful visual representation of a "crash" or "noise," inviting you to feel the impact.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

A jarring, almost explosive scene unfolds in Philip West's sculpture, "Krach." A figure, seemingly mid-leap or mid-fall, is caught in a moment of intense, almost violent energy. The work's title, German for "crash" or "noise," perfectly encapsulates the visual chaos. The fragmented forms, crafted from papier-mâché, acrylic, gouache, and plastic, suggest a body in motion, perhaps even disintegrating under pressure. The rough, textured surfaces and sharp angles contribute to a sense of urgency and disquiet. This isn't a serene portrait; it's a raw, visceral experience of movement and impact, inviting viewers to ponder the nature of disruption and the human form's vulnerability.

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What to Notice

1

The figure's contorted pose, suggesting a sudden, forceful event.

2

The rough, almost torn textures of the papier-mâché surface.

3

The splashes of color, like paint thrown onto the form.

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Audio Deep Dive

Stop and observe "Krach," a dynamic sculpture that captures a moment of intense, almost violent energy through fragmented forms and rough textures. It's a powe…

Hear the full story in the app
THE ARTIST
Philip West 1949–1997

Philip West was an English painter whose career spanned from deeply traditional historical scenes like 'The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise' to vibrant modern works such as 'Red Box'.

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