Cornelia Kubler Kavanagh (1940–)
Aevum II, 2004

Painted bronze
McMullen Museum of Art, Boston College, Gift of the artist to Pine Manor College

Inspired by modernist sculptors Henry Moore (1898–1986), Barbara Hepworth (1903–73), and Hans Arp (1886–1966), Kavanagh works in various media. Nature informs her organic, rounded forms. Aevum II typifies a group of her sculptures based on the oval where the shape is enhanced by what is missing and by the smooth finish of the bronze. According to Kavanagh:

“The oval has always been the most pleasing form from which to embark on a sculptural exploration. As opposed to a circle, an oval’s elongated shape allows for greater flexibility in removing mass while staying true to the lines of the exterior so the negative space remains complimentary to the whole. I also like the way the oval’s curves bend light both inside and out of the form.”