Untitled 1983

This is a graphite sketch on paper, made in 1953 by Seymour Lipton. Though a sketch might seem simple, consider what it does: it shows us Lipton’s thinking. He was best known as a sculptor, and his works in metal have a brutal, imposing quality. Lipton often worked in bronze, a material closely associated with industry and labor, due to its use in tools and machinery. This casting method requires considerable human effort and expertise, reinforcing the connection between art and work. Here, the artist’s hand is even more evident. You can imagine Lipton wrestling with his ideas, the graphite a direct extension of his arm. The sketch is a space of exploration. Ultimately, it is a reminder that even the most monumental works of art begin with an intimate act of making.