William Shearburn: Saturday, 3 April 2010

Philadelphia Wireman, Yellow Tape Dispenser, c. 1975, Wire and mixed media, 13.5x9x5 inches

The Philadelphia Wireman sculptures were found abandoned on a side street in Philadelphia on trash night in 1982. These sculptures—all intricately bound together with tightly-wound heavy-gauge wire—include a wide variety of found objects, including bits of plastic, glass, leather, batteries, eyeglasses, food packaging, umbrella parts, nails, aluminum foil, and children’s toys. Over a thousand of these small-scale sculptures were discovered at once and while it is presumed that these works must have been discarded upon their maker’s death, the Philadelphia Wireman’s name, age, ethnicity, and even gender remain uncertain. Over 30 sculptures will be included in this exhibition.

4735 McPherson Avenue; St. Louis, Missouri 63108 USA ~ 314-367-8020