Bow Tie and Ribbons

Bow Ties is a sculptural aluminum work by Frank Stella, composed of sweeping curved surfaces, tubular elements, and interwoven forms. Measuring approximately 3.1 meters high, 2.8 meters wide, and 2.2 meters deep, the sculpture brings together numerous individually shaped components within a compact three-dimensional composition.

The approximately 750 kg sculpture combines several different aluminum elements. These include around 25 meters of 60 mm diameter tubing, 32 curved skin plates forming the larger twisted surfaces, approximately 100 smaller skin plates and tubes forming the bow tie elements, as well as additional tubular components integrated throughout the work. The aluminum surfaces were finished with a brushed treatment consistent with other sculptures produced for Stella.

CIG was responsible for the engineering, production, and pre-assembly of the complete sculpture. Engineering included optimization of the 3D model for construction and transport, structural analysis, welding calculations, and development of the production documentation.

Production involved material procurement, cutting, 3D cold forming of the aluminum plates, extrusion profiles, cast and milled elements, fabrication, and development of the required connections. The entire sculpture was prefabricated and fully assembled at CIG’s facility in the Netherlands, where Frank Stella was able to inspect and approve the completed work.

© 2019 Frank Stella / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

Photos by Jason Wyche