WHO WAS FLETCHER BENTON?
Fletcher Benton (1931-2019) was an American artist, best known for his kinetic and large scale abstract sculptures. His work explores rhythm and movement, creating dynamic compositions out of carefully stacked and balanced steel and iron. Born in Ohio, Benton traveled around the world before settling in the San Francisco Bay Area. He taught at the San Francisco Art Institute, California College of Art, and San Jose State University. His work can be found in the collection of museums around the world including the Whitney Museum of American Art, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Hirshhorn Museum.
WHAT IS FOLDED CIRCLE RING AND L ABOUT?
As with most abstract art, there is no one meaning to Folded Circle Ring and L. Instead of prescribing meaning, Benton invites you into a dance of sorts with the piece. The closer you get, the more details you notice, such as the patina of the steel, the sinuous curves, the sharp edges. As you step back, the composition unfurls itself, each shape an individual note that drives the overall composition of the piece to a crescendo as you move around it. Benton often viewed his sculptures as musical compositions; thus Folded Circle Ring and L, like a musical composition, is meant to be experienced again and again. Each experience is unique and equally exhilarating.
HOW DID WE ACQUIRE THIS PIECE?
Folded Circle Ring and L was acquired in 2016 as part of the Art on Task Force's mission to bring more art to the LPC community. It was purchased using funds designated for public art and allocated to the college by the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District following the sale of a District-owned property. The piece was carefully selected after months of consideration and input from the LPC community.
Learn More About Fletcher Benton
Video:
Waiting for the Magic Man/ Folded Alphabets and Numericals
https://vimeo.com/119860733
KQED Spark – Fletcher Benton
https://vimeo.com/116630296
Fletcher Benton: The Kinetic Years
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7oQAxIJksE
Fletcher Benton: The Artist’s Studio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf_D91pH5pc
Fletcher Benton at Art Santa Fe 2008
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-5H1RVtmng
Fletcher Benton’s “Synchronetic R-1000 (Rolling Discs),” 1968
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k8JpLjzWas
Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fletcher_Benton
Credit: Nike Foundation Site Funds, CLPCCD’s Board of Trustees, Art on Campus Task Force
