The Ball 1999

Dusan Dzamonja created this impressive ball out of what seems to be a metallic substance. The surface is not smooth, you know? It's like it's been constructed out of lots of smaller, pointy elements, giving it a prickly appearance. When you look at it closely, the play of light and shadow across the surface is really captivating. Each of those tiny points catches the light differently, creating a dynamic texture that changes as you move around it. The dark, almost black, color emphasizes the form of the sphere, while the texture gives it a tactile quality. Imagine running your hand over it, you'd probably hurt yourself but you would definitely feel the physicality of the piece. You can see how this interest in form and texture carries over into Dzamonja's other sculptures.