Swiss artist Jean Tinguely began making assemblage sculptures from found objects in the 1940s. Inspired by the rapid industrialization around him, the artist soon introduced mechanical movement to his works—often creating pieces that could be animated by movement and would ultimately self-destruct. The artist described these works as “Métamatics,” laying the groundwork for new forms of kinetic art. Among these is Grande Méta-Mecanique No. 1 (Grand Meta-Mechanics No. 1), 1955, a kinetic sculpture in Glenstone’s collection composed of colorful metals, an electric motor, and hand crank. While in previous public presentations visitors would have been invited to use the hand crank to manipulate the positioning of the work, for the safety and longevity of the form, conservators now ask us to please refrain.

–Ali Nemerov, from the Glenstone Field Guide