Sculpture Presentation: Post-Minimalism: Eva Hesse

Is a style of art that is simple like minimal art however it strives to imbue works with meaning. Post-minimalist artists attempt to go beyond the mere aesthetic of minimalism. Artworks are usually everyday objects, use simple materials and sometimes take on a 'pure' formalist aesthetic.

Eva Hesse 1936-1970

She is an example of a post-minimalist artist. Hesse uses grids and 'seriality' themes often found in minimalism, however is usually handmade introducing a human element in her artwork which contrasts the machine or custom works of Minimalism.

Eva Hesse, Addendum, 1967, Papier mâché, wood and cord, 124 x 3029 x 206 mm

Addendum consists of 17 grey paper-mache hemispheres spaced at increasing intervals along a horizontal piece of wood, fixed to the wall. From the centre of these hemispheres cords trail to the ground, curling at the end. Hesse goes further than minimalism in this sculpture as although it features geometry and repetition, a prominent feature in minimalism, her work goes further and evokes part of the body. As you stare at Addendum it starts to look like breasts and the ropes look like liquid trickling down.