This work was inspired by Kwannon (also known as Kannon), the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Lassaw, who became interested in Zen Buddhism during the 1950s, worked intuitively and spontaneously. To make this sculpture, he began by “drawing in space,” constructing an open lattice structure with steel wire. He then melted bronze over that framework using an oxyacetylene torch, letting the metal harden into gobs over the wire. The artist made more changes, including breaking off and welding new parts, until he felt that he had achieved a balance of form and space.
Gallery label from 2023
This sculpture represents Kwannon (also known as Kannon), the Buddhist goddess of mercy and an attendant of Buddha. Lassaw thickened steel wire with molten bronze, creating an openwork metal scaffolding of irregular lines and voids—what he called a “drawing in space.” Lassaw wrote of this abstract figure, “Although I never try to depict or narrate or communicate, I feel that something of Kwannon entered this piece of sculpture.”
Gallery label from Abstract Expressionist New York, October 3, 2010-April 25, 2011
