Claes Oldenburg

Claes Oldenburg became a prominent figure during the late 1950’s and early 60’s. Oldenburg constructed his first iconic work, Lipstick (Ascending) on Caterpillar Tracks in 1969 which was installed at Yale University. Later on, most of his large scale projects would be made in collaboration with his wife, Coosje van Bruggen, who he married in 1977. Oldenburg’s first iconic work,  Lipstick (Ascending) on Caterpillar Tracks, was meant to be an anti-war monument and podium for activists to utilize during peace rallies. Students presented the Yale administration with a deed of gift they had prepared with a local lawyer, but the document never mentioned provisions for the sculptures maintenance, so when it eventually started to fall apart Oldenburg had it removed. A major theme in most of his pieces is that they compliment the location they are designed for. Also, much of his work is in the form of sculpture with a very relatable and identifiable subject matter.

Lipstick (Ascending) on Caterpillar Tracks, 1969.
Painted fiberglass, aluminum, and steel; 24-feet, 3,500-pounds

I love the piece Lipstick (Ascending) on Caterpillar Tracks because of how it was designed to create a stark contrast between the imposing government imagery during war time and clash it with an image depicting the ridiculousness of war. It worked great during its time at Yale and the new museum location is arguably even better for this compelling affect. Formally I think the piece is really attractive, being very linear and vertical it draws the eye upward. The juxtaposition of a military tank and women’s lipstick makes an interesting piece!

Spoonbridge and Cherry, 1988, Stainless steel
and aluminum painted with polyurethane enamel.
(29 ft. 6 in. x 51 ft. 6 in. x 13 ft. 6 in.)

Dropped Cone, Stainless and galvanized steels,
fiber-reinforced plastic, balsa wood;
painted with polyester gelcoat,
39 ft. 10 in. high x 19 ft. diameter;
height above building: 32 ft. 10 in