The Search, (sculpture) | Smithsonian Institution

Object Details

Save Outdoor Sculpture, Indiana survey, 1993.; Image on file.; Louisville (June 1985): pg. 37.; (Lower proper left:) B. Bright/1984 (At the base, in front:) "The Search"/by Barney Bright/dedicated May 11, 1985 signed; The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.
Summary: A sculpture depicting eleven allegorical figures clustered around a tree trunk, some spinning out in different directions. The figures are both nude and draped, representing both sexes and various ages, some seen only in part. A slender female projects from one side, her hands raised and her hair upswept, as if she is floating. In the center of the sculpture are two males, one old and the other young, involved in an animated conversation while a hooded figure hovers above them. Behind them is a reclining middle-aged female, listening. At the bottom of the tree trunk is a nude boy. The sculpture is made of welded bronze and patinated golden-brown. The base is a slender shaft.

Commissioned 1977. 1984. Installed May 9, 1985. Dedicated May 11, 1985

Owner/Location: New Albany-Floyd County Public Library 180 West Spring Street Entrance New Albany Indiana 47150

Art Inventories Catalog, Smithsonian American Art Museums

Topic: Figure group; Portrait male--Full length; Occupation--Art--Sculptor; Allegory--Life; Recreation--Leisure--Conversation