Two Face Telescope
Elizabeth Strong-Cuevas
1990
MATERIAL: metal: aluminum
DIMENSIONS: overall: 168 in x 144 in x 72 in
EDITION: Unique
CREDIT: Grounds For Sculpture, Gift of The Seward Johnson Atelier
© Artist or Artist's Estate, photo: David W. Steele
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A motif incorporated into the composition of many of her works, particularly evident in 'Two Face Telescope', is that of the eye transformed from a facial feature into a telescope, representing exploration of the mind within and the universe beyond. This tubular shape is often used as a connecting device, both physically and figuratively, to join two or more heads in a unity of consciousness. Civilizations across the ages share a common bond in their studies of the stars, heavens, and beyond, seeking the knowledge to understand man’s place and purpose in the cosmic order. Strong-Cuevas has stated that she seeks to express through her sculptures “communication through space and time…linking the ideas of the past with those of the future.”
In 'Two Face Telescope', she portrays two similarly shaped faces from which a tube has been suspended. There is a well-balanced tension in the piece as the telescope, though static, looks like if one of the heads moved slightly, the telescope could detach and fall to the ground. Strong-Cuevas works with both positive and negative space representing to her viewers the duplicity of life. She gracefully demonstrates how, when two forms are brought together, there is a harmony connecting the elements into one solid piece.
