Photo Credit: Metal-Wall-Art-by-Statements2000
Metal Abstract Modern Wall Art Sculpture by Jon Allen – Constant Variation
Buy It Now Price: $125 (price as of 2016; item no longer available)
Pros:
-This is a contemporary wall sculpture that measures 14 inches (35.6 cm) wide by 14 (35.6 cm) inches tall by 2 inches (5.1 cm) deep. It was created by Jon Allen, a well-known contemporary artist currently working in Florida.
-It is made from high quality aircraft-grade aluminum and is finished with a UV resistant clear coat. These are good quality materials and the piece is obviously professionally crafted with great attention to detail.
-This contemporary wall sculpture is a phenomenal example of what I call “neo-cubism” – a.k.a. 1980s style. The bold use of primary colors, coupled with simple shapes and varied textures, combine to give a visually stunning effect. The play of shadows across the work as one changes viewing angles as well as the textured, guilloche enamel-like appearance of the colored metal blocks also contributes meaningfully to the work’s je ne sais quoi.
-While neo-cubism is most closely associated with the 1980s in the common conscience, the style staged a significant comeback in the 2000s after hibernating throughout the 1990s. The look is still current as of 2016.
-Although this work appears as if a Rubik’s cube barfed on a wall after drinking too much vodka, it perfectly embodies the spirit of neo-cubism. The $125 price point seems reasonable for a piece that so utterly exudes the zeitgeist of the contemporary era.
Cons:
-The work is non-representational and very contemporary, which could be either a pro or a con, depending on your tastes.
-This work is not one-of-a-kind; the artist has sold other copies. I don’t see that as being a large drawback, but for some people who strictly demand uniqueness it would be an important factor.
-This contemporary wall sculpture is absolutely new, fresh from the artist. It is not antique, or even vintage, and therefore is not seasoned at all. Seasoning is the process where lower quality or faddish items are removed from the pool of potential investment-grade antiques via attrition. Because I have screened this item carefully for both high quality materials and composition, however, I don’t believe that will be an issue.
-Buying art directly from the artist for investment purposes is generally quite challenging. It is sort of like investing in penny stocks. There is a great deal of risk offset by a lot of reward if you choose wisely.
