Oiler: John Clement

Oiler, the first monumental scale work by sculptor John Clement, will be on view February 4th 2011 at Causey Contemporary Fine Art, 92 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. Consisting of over 16,000 pounds of 20 inch diameter steel pipe coiled to reach over eighteen feet in height, Oiler was built to mirror the gallery’s enormous scale. Despite its massive proportions, Oiler will still possess the lightness, playfulness, and implied movement for which Clement’s previous works are known.

Beginning on January 25th, Causey Contemporary will be changed from a gallery into a studio. All the machinery and tools necessary to produce this work will be brought in so that the creation can begin on site. The public is invited to come view the installation from the safety of the mezzanine on Friday January 28th from 4pm to 6pm and Saturday January 29th and Sunday January 30th from noon to 3pm. Ear protection and hard hats will be provided.

As of the time of this press release, Oiler is still a concept. There is no direct blueprint for this work. Rather, Clement will use his notes to help guide the natural evolution of the work. In that regard, Oiler is the perfect example of a ‘site specific’ piece.

The title, Oiler, is a reference to the materials and machinery required to produce it. The 20 inch diameter pipe is a staple of the oil industry and the machine needed to coil it is one of only two of its kind in North America.

Clement is infatuated with the appropriation of industrial methods and materials for art. As a young man he apprenticed with Mark di Suvero while working as a rigger and installer for John Henry, both sculptors of great repute whose large-scale pieces are internationally known. Their mentoring led Clement to discover both the draw of public art and the poetry of using industrial materials in the creation of sculpture.

“Oiler” will run from February 4th to March 6th 2011, with an opening reception on February 4th from 6 to 9pm. Please contact the gallery at 718 218 8939, or visit www.firehousestudio.com for further information.