John Tuska Figural Styrofoam Sculpture on Pressed Wood Plinth

Item Details

An original John Tuska (1931 – 1998) figural Styrofoam sculpture on pressed wood plinth. Features a block of Styrofoam carved into a human figure with elongated torso. The Styrofoam is finished with a light brown glaze, which has been applied to varying degrees of thickness, highlighting different areas of the sculpture. The piece is affixed to an unfinished pressed wood plinth. A certificate of authenticity signed by the artist’s son, Seth D. Tuska, is included to this piece.

Tuska was a Kentucky-based artist, born in Yukon, Pennsylvania and best known for his sculptures, ceramics, paper casts, inks, and watercolors. He acquired his formal education at New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, New York. After serving in the U.S Navy, he became an educator at the University of Kentucky, which commissioned him to produce the bronze figure sculptures for the series Genesis (1969) and Illumine (1995). His work can be found in multiple institutions including Museum of Arts and Science, Georgetown College, Krannert Art Museum, Palmer Art Museum, Pennsylvania State University and University of Kentucky Art Museum, among many others.

Condition

Some finish wear and chipping at edges. The chipping of the styrofoam is part of the natural degradation of the substance.

Dimensions

Item #

17LEX097-033