Artwork copyright held by the artist

 

Artwork Information

Artist:

Rex Silvernail 

Date:

Unknown

Media:

Sculpture made of paper and rope

Size:

 

Location:

Cannell Library (LIB) Hanging in front stairwell on the north wall

About the Artist: 

Silvernail (1941-2013) was born in Tacoma, Wash. He earned his MFA from Northern Illinois University and later received a Fulbright Scholarship to attend the Kitanmax School of Northwest Coast Indian Art–the first non-Native person to do so–where he learned traditional methods for manipulating wood. He became known for an artistic style that blended contemporary Western techniques with ancient traditions of craftsmanship, creating works that emphasized his interest in environmentalism and world peace.

Artwork description:

Abu Ghriab was inspired by events in Iraq. Rex used rope to represent the handcuffs used by soldiers. The rope frays and breaks after being stretched, then withdraws into a ball. Rex created medical stitches in the ball with wire. Stretching almost 8 feet across a wall, it is at once, visually beautiful while making one of his strongest anti-war statements. 

Acquisition Information:

In fall 2012, friends of the late Rex Silvernail approached Clark College about receiving one or more of his artworks. Silvernail, an accomplished sculptor, had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and wanted to ensure that his art would be kept available to the public after his death. Clark is among many institutions that stepped forward to house his work; others include the Portland Art Museum, Hallie Ford Museum, Maryhill Museum, Fort Vancouver Historic Reserve, and the Fort Vancouver Regional Library.

Related Links:

https://news.clark.edu/2014/01/new-art-donations-in-the-library/