DONALD LIPSKI: THE BELLS
Commissioned by the Contemporary Art Center in Cincinnati, “The Bells” was conceived when curator Jan Riley suggested Lipski use materials from a Cincinnati-based manufacturer. Lipski visited several sites but was most intrigued by the Verdin Bell Company–manufacturer of bells, clock towers, and steeples–because of bells’ connotations. Eventually the work evolved into a collaborative effort–composer Brad Fiedel created an electronic score of orchestrated bell chimes–employing various types of religious iconography.
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In the corner of the gallery is the fourth piece, The Belles, a group of eight faceless nuns whose habits have been draped with lavender tulle. Lifesize and equidistant from one another, they are mounted with medium-sized carillon bells in their chests. Because this piece features the human figure, it has enormous potential for meaning. Yet the presentation is disappointing, partly because the space overwhelms the figures. They look weak–mere starched clothing or theatrical costumes.
