Bruce Nauman

Enforced Perspective: Allegory and Symbolism

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About this artwork

Between 1975 and 1976, Nauman produced a series of sculptural installations consisting of carved stone and metal slabs placed around the floors of large rooms. In 'Enforced Perspective' steel rhomboids form a geometric design, creating the illusion of subtle shifts in the gallery floor as the viewer moves about them. Although the overall pattern that the visitor encounters appears relatively simple, the grouping of the thirty-six slabs has many possible arrangements. By creating a sculptural field that could be altered, this installation allowed Nauman to test the effects of different spaces on his audience’s behaviour.

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
    Bruce Nauman (born 1941) American
  • title:
    Enforced Perspective: Allegory and Symbolism
  • date created:
    1975
  • materials:
    Steel
  • measurements:
    10.20 x 35.60 x 35.60 cm (each piece size)
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    ARTIST ROOMS National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. Acquired jointly through The d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Art Fund, 2008
  • accession number:
    AR00180
  • gallery:
  • glossary:
This artwork is part of Artist Rooms
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Bruce Nauman

Bruce Nauman