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George Sugarman's Painted Aluminum Sculptures Showcased in 2004 New York Exhibition

exhibition · 2026-04-22

The Joan T. Washburn gallery in New York presented an exhibition of George Sugarman's painted aluminum sculptures, created between 1977 and 1996, from January 8 to February 28, 2004. Sugarman, who passed away in August 1999, was celebrated for his inventive designs that fused organic and geometric shapes with vibrant colors. The showcased pieces were crafted from paper maquettes, with Sugarman employing techniques of cutting and welding aluminum sheets. Notable works included Orange Around (1978) and Waltz (1985), which exhibited intricate three-dimensionality. Other sculptures like Untitled (1977-1980) and Wings (1988) featured monochrome color schemes, reflecting abstract expressionism. Despite the lively exhibition, Sugarman's legacy remains largely overlooked, with no comprehensive monographs published since essays from Hunter College in 1998 and Joslyn Art Museum in 1982.

Key facts

  • Exhibition dates: January 8-February 28, 2004
  • Venue: Joan T. Washburn gallery at 20 West 57 Street, New York, N.Y., 10019
  • Artist: George Sugarman (died August 1999)
  • Focus: Painted aluminum sculptures from 1977-1996
  • Materials: Aluminum sheets cut, welded, or riveted, painted with enamel and acrylic
  • Notable works: Orange Around (1978), Waltz (1985), Untitled (1977-1980), Wings (1988)
  • Historical context: Sugarman's work diverged from Minimalism and Modernist monumentalism
  • Previous exhibitions: Hunter College (1998) and Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha (1982)

Entities

Artists

  • George Sugarman
  • Richard Serra
  • Henri Matisse
  • Willem de Kooning
  • Constantin Brancusi
  • Carl Andre
  • Donald Judd

Institutions

  • Joan T. Washburn
  • Hunter College
  • Joslyn Art Museum
  • Washburn Gallery
  • artcritical

Locations

  • New York
  • United States
  • Omaha

Sources