Josiah Mcelheny Analysis

Josiah McElheny Artists today have countless types of mediums available to them today. Josiah McElheny is known mainly for handblown glass, a tedious craft; creating sculptures in assorted shapes. An artist born in Boston, MA in 1966, he attended Rhode Island School of Design. Later, McElheny was the winner of the MacArthur Fellowship award. He currently works and lives in New York City, New York. McElheny is also known for working with such mediums as wood, mirror, glass, paint, still videos and videos with sound. With all the works Josiah has produced, his “Endlessly Repeating Twentieth Century Modernism” is one to enjoy. Josiah McElheny produced a series of works known as “Paintings”, although not as well-known as some of his other works, they are interesting. A two-dimensional image with a three-dimensional feel. Specifically, the Crystalline Prism Painting III where press molded polished prisms are inset into a black matte oil painting and
At first glance, all one can see is dozens of hand-blown glass objects inside a mirrored box. Upon closer view, within the reflecting glass, the objects seem to retreat into an endless repeating pattern. Best stated by Kathy Wisniski “McElheny reveals what a world purged of human presence and individuality really looks like.” A space full of beautiful objects, separate and empty of liveliness. To create the repeating objects by hand and display them in the way he does is commendable and intriguing. All in all, what was most intriguing about Josiah McElheny was the dedication to the tediousness of making the hand-blown glass objects. How he is able to manipulate and transform the glass into the various shapes he creates. To the tie those sculptures in to a bigger display with deeper meaning is a talent. With shows as recent as this year, artists can be sure to see more of his works to