The de Menil Gallery Archive

Tools in Motion: Works from the Hechinger Collection

de Menil Gallery
January 11-March 2, 2012
Tools in Motion celebrates repetition and motion in common everyday tools and hardware, magically transforming utilitarian objects into fanciful works of beauty, surprise, and wit.

The exhibit, chosen from International Arts and Artists’ Tools as Art: The Hechinger Collection, features 47 highlights from the holdings of hardware-industry pioneer John Hechinger, including works by Arman, Jim Dine, Claes Oldenberg, Jacob Lawrence, and other artists.

The Hechinger Collection includes more than 375 works in a variety of media—sculpture, painting, craft, photography, drawing, prints, and digital art. Some of the works in Tools in Motion confound the barrier between art and life by transforming actual tools into artwork or by demonstrating the illusionistic properties of tool materials. Others, more metaphorically, reference labor and production. The Groton community and the public are invited to enjoy the exuberant creativity, consummate craftsmanship, and sheer fun of the exhibition.

All shows at the de Menil Gallery are free. Tools in Motion will be at the de Menil Gallery from January 12 through March 2. The gallery is open from 9 to 3 on weekdays (except Wednesdays) and 11 to 4 on weekends (except holiday weekends.)
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