Louis K. Meisel Gallery is pleased to present the work of sculptor Larry Kagan, known for his innovative use of steel, light, and shadow. Through intricately fabricated assemblages and strategic light distribution, Kagan creates works that extend beyond physical form, challenging and redefining the boundaries of traditional sculpture.
Departing from known sculptural conventions, Larry Kagan’s work invites viewers to reconsider the nature of form and perception. What initially appears as a raw aggregation of disordered steel resolves into carefully orchestrated compositions. With the introduction of light, these structures cast remarkably detailed shadow images that emerge with striking clarity. The steel functions like a skeletal framework, supporting a secondary, ephemeral image that materializes on the wall.
These results are owed to Kagan’s precision with steel minutiae. He begins with a preconceived shadow image and constructs abstract steel configurations. When illuminated from a calculated angle, these structures project vivid and recognizable figures and objects. The result is an interplay between material and illusion, where solid form gives rise to an image that exists in a liminal space between the tangible and the intangible.
Trained as an engineer, Kagan transitioned to the visual arts under the mentorship of sculptor Richard Stankiewicz. After working with acrylics throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he shifted exclusively to metal in the 1980s, which was a career-defining moment for the artist. His sculptures have been exhibited widely and are included in numerous public and private collections, including The Jewish Museum and the Flint Institute of Arts. He is currently based in Los Angeles.
Larry Kagan: Men will be on view from May 9 to June 20 at Louis K. Meisel Gallery in New York City. An opening reception will be held at the gallery on Saturday, May 9, 1–3pm (ET).
To learn more, visit meiselgallery.com.
