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Ralph Wickstrom Abstract Steel Sculpture "Reliquary Guardian"

Offered by: VERN + VERA

Description
Designer: Ralph Wickstrom
USA - Circa 1990s
Dimensions: 38.5" H x 16.25" W x 6" D
Condition: Very good vintage condition.

Ralph Wickstrom (American, 1925 – 2019) abstract steel sculpture titled "Reliquary Guardian", circa late 20th century. An abstract / geometric sculpture comprised of welded thick steel with a rich rust patina. This appears to be the artist's intent as the rusted patina has been sealed. Unmarked / unsigned.

Born in Sioux City, IA on August 23, 1925, Ralph Wickstrom was a collector turned artist who lived in Ripon, Wisconsin from 1961 to his death in 2019 at age 94. After being discharged from the Navy Air Corp in 1946, he enrolled and earned his BA from Morningside College. After spending one year at the University of Denver he transferred to the University of Iowa and earned his Ph.D. in physical education in 1953. After teaching at 3 Midwestern universities he settled at Ripon College as a professor and became head of the P.E. Department and athletic director in 1961. His interest and involvement with art over a period of more than three decades eventually shifted from primarily collecting artwork, to producing his own. After retiring from his position as a Professor in 1990 he devoted most of his productive effort to making indoor and outdoor metal sculptures from scrap steel. Ralph found it challenging and deeply satisfying to give new life to scrap steel, or as sculptor Isamu Noguchi eloquently put it, to "reincarnate it as a creation." Universally appealing geometric forms and abstract shapes were the basic elements used in his compositions.

More Information

Origin:	United States
Period:	1980-1999
Materials:	Patinated Steel
Condition:	Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Very good vintage condition. Additional photos upon request.
Creation Date:	Circa 1990s
Styles / Movements:	Modern
Incollect Reference #:	630806

Dimensions

W.	16.25 in;	H.	38.5 in;	D.	6 in;
W.	41.28 cm;	H.	97.79 cm;	D.	15.24 cm;

Message from Seller:

VERN + VERA offers a curated collection of fine vintage furnishings and accessories, specializing in Italian and American design from the 60s to the 80s. For inquiries, contact us at vernandvera@gmail.com or visit our 1,300 square foot gallery in Edgewater, Chicago, or shop online at vernandvera.com. Gallery hours available by appointment.

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