1 3 5 7 9 11

Sol Lewitt sculpture, 1 3 5 7 9 11

The Sol LeWitt sculpture 1 3 5 7 9 11 is a commission by the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art which was engineered and manufactured by Zahner in Kansas City. The artwork is a painted aluminum form which measures 16' x 8' x 8' and was fabricated in 1996. The artist conceived of the work in 1994.

Zahner engineered and fabricated an interlocking system where each corner connects seamlessly. Instead of requiring a weld at the joint's seam, the pieces are connected with an interior locking mechanism.

Related Project

One Sun / 34 Moons

In 2001, Zahner was enlisted to work on the master plan for the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The building, designed by Steven Holl Architects, is a massive expansion, and Zahner provided various metalwork throughout the new construction and played a role in the renovations to its existing historic building.In addition to the architectural features, a large scale site-specific artwork by Walter de Maria was commissioned by the Museum. Zahner was brought on as fabricator for the installation by the famed land artist. The work, entitled One Sun / 34 Moons, is made up of thirty-four 'Moons' which are realized as illuminated glass fixtures scattered throughout the installation. These 'Moons' are installed at the bottom of a large reflecting pool in front of the museum's northern staircase. At the artwork's center is a golden 'Sun' fabricated by Zahner in stainless steel, surfaced with gilded bronze.

1 3 5 7 9 11 at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri. Photo courtesy of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Process photo during the art fabrication at Zahner in Kansas City. Photo © A. Zahner Company.

1 3 5 7 9 11 at the Nelson-Atkins Museum. Photo courtesy E.G. Schempf.

Above, a detail of the seamless engineered connection, a result of careful engineering and high-quality craftsmanship. This is the last sculpture of its kind fabricated during the artist's lifetime.