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Louise Bourgeois, Cell (The Last Climb), 2008. Photo courtesy of Fayiaz Chunara/MOCCA
Louise Bourgeois created Cell (The Last Climb) at 97. Age aside, it is a powerful piece. However, taking cues from an artist known for weaving autobiography into her work, the sculpture, for me, became a mesmerizing window into a soul on the brink between worlds.
The spine of the sculpture is a spiral staircase, taken from Bourgeois' former studio in Brooklyn. Suspended in the centre is a blue rubber form that represents the artist. Threaded needles puncture the shape and lead to spools positioned around the metal cage: ties to her family and friends. Glass balls create a feeling of floating while wooden balls evoke grounding, making a tense equilibrium. Bourgeois began making the Cells in 1989, using them as arenas in which to untangle her emotions and memories.
The spine of the sculpture is a spiral staircase, taken from Bourgeois' former studio in Brooklyn. Suspended in the centre is a blue rubber form that represents the artist. Threaded needles puncture the shape and lead to spools positioned around the metal cage: ties to her family and friends. Glass balls create a feeling of floating while wooden balls evoke grounding, making a tense equilibrium. Bourgeois began making the Cells in 1989, using them as arenas in which to untangle her emotions and memories.
A titan of contemporary art, Bourgeois continued creating until her death in 2010. You can see this sculpture at the MOCCA, along with a survey of early and more recent work until August 11, 2013.
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