Alta and Basso (Circus Vase series number 137)
Artist
Dailey, Dan
(American, born 1947)
Date2005
OriginUnited States of America
MediumBlown and sandblasted and acid polished glass
Dimensions57 × 23 × 18 in. (144.8 × 58.4 × 45.7 cm)
ClassificationsGlass
Credit LineGift of Carolyn K. and Richard F. Barry III
Object number2017.62
Label TextAlta and Basso (Circus Vase series number 137)
Blown, sandblasted, and acid polished glass, 2005
Gift of Carolyn K. and Richard F. Barry III
“There is always an absurdity to seriousness, a grotesque side to humor, a beauty to
bewilderment.”
~Dan Dailey, 1989
Dan Dailey has created well-finished metal and glass sculpture with inventive sensitivity throughout his distinguished career. Combining a broad education in ceramics, metals, filmmaking, and illustration, his work reflects a preference for clean lines and tightly organized compositions that are intended to convey social commentary with a poignant sense of humor.
Dailey often adds gem-like settings to embellish the fitted mounts of his sculptures. In this monumental work, figural “handles” reference heavily decorated large show pieces often found in historic mansions and cultural institutions. Here, the personifications capture the selfindulgent pathos of contrasting, operatic high (alto) and low (basso) voices as two contending parties.
Status
On view
Dailey, Dan
Artwork/Study Drawing