Bolt Piece 1965

Gary Kuehn’s Bolt Piece presents a juxtaposition of the rigid form and protruding, threatening bolts. The presence of bolts can evoke a sense of primal protection, like the scales of a dragon or the spikes of a medieval shield. Consider, too, how the bolt motif transcends mere functionality. In ancient cultures, the concept of binding and joining was imbued with spiritual significance, reflected in rituals and myths. Bolts, as emblems of union and security, find their echoes in the clasps and fasteners depicted in Renaissance art, symbolizing fidelity and enduring bonds. Yet, there is a subtle, subversive twist here. Rather than serving a clear structural purpose, the bolts emerge as points of potential pain, a manifestation of human defensiveness, of our need to fortify ourselves against perceived threats. This tension resonates with the deeper psychological undercurrents of fear and the instinctive need to protect our boundaries. The bolt, ever a potent symbol, remains in constant flux, resurfacing across diverse epochs, its meaning molded by the ever-shifting tides of human experience.