Steel-Aluminum Plain
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “Steel-Aluminum Plain” now? Collection: Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.
Chicago, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the sculpture
In 1966 Carl Andre revolutionized sculpture by pioneering works that lie flat on the ground rather than rising up and occupying space. Andre invites viewers to walk upon his sculptures so that they can register, on a sensory level, the feel of different materials (such as steel and aluminum) and the distinction between standing in the middle of a sculpture and remaining outside of its boundaries. Originally exhibited as part of a single installation entitled 37 Pieces of Work, at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, in 1970, Steel-Aluminum Plain alternates identically sized steel and aluminum plates that form a six-square-foot checkerboard pattern of subdued visual restraint.
Art Institute of ChicagoCC BY 4.0
Details
- Accession number
- 1975.134
What it shows
In the catalog
Sources
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Image: Art Institute of Chicago — © the artist or rights holder
In the life of Carl Andre
The whole lifelate 1960s
Karl Ströher buys three major works
The entrepreneur Karl Ströher of Darmstadt acquires three major works by Andre and places them on loan at the Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt.
27 June 1968 – 6 October 1968
Exhibition: 4. documenta
1969
Helps found the Art Workers Coalition
He helps organize the Art Workers Coalition.
1970
Solo exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum
His solo exhibition takes place at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum; “37 Pieces of Work”, which lies flat on the floor, is shown there for the first time.
