Jean Tinguely

La Jalousie II [Blind Jealousy II]

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About this artwork

The title of this sculpture is an untranslatable pun on the French word jalousie, which means both 'jealousy' and a 'blind or bead curtain'. The work is powered by an electric motor, which makes the bead curtain shake when a button is pressed. The bead curtain moves furiously but also sensuously, much like the grass skirt of an exotic dancer. However, the movement of the curtain can be interpreted differently: it also evokes the idea of a person trembling with jealousy.

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
    Jean Tinguely (1925 - 1991) FrenchSwiss
  • title:
    La Jalousie II [Blind Jealousy II]
  • date created:
    1961
  • materials:
    Painted bead curtain, metal rod and electric motor
  • measurements:
    217.50 x 91.50 x 35.50 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Purchased 1984
  • accession number:
    GMA 2832
  • gallery:
  • subject:
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Jean Tinguely

Jean Tinguely