Lambeth Way and Two Units

These are examples of public art from the 1960s – 80s, characterized as ‘modern’ art, that has been moved from the inside of the gallery into an outside public space. This movement could be experienced as an extension of the gallery. The public placement of these artworks (contrary to contemporary public art) do not attempt to speak or refer to their geographic, historical, and social elements that influenced the artist’s work because their essence (their aesthetic, concept and history) originate within the artwork itself, and within the gallery or art museum - including the embodiment of the artist. However, it is notable to suggest that Lambeth Way, created in 1979 by Canadian artist Patrick Thibert, and Two Units, created in 1974 by Canadian artist Walter Redinger are not really true examples of modern public art entirely, because they are in fact installed on the grounds of Museum London and as such they are pieces that speak to their surrounding context. Both of these artworks are in the style of minimalism, which was a predominate style in the art world (in the gallery, museum and in public art) in the 60s and 70s. Minimalist art characteristically seeks to distill its form down to its own material and processional nature whereby the object’s material and process of creation is illustrated or laid bare. Surprisingly, Redinger’s works, which at first look like heavy metal, are made out of fiberglass. He has been credited as being the first Canadian artist to experiment with, and use fiberglass as a medium for sculpture. Lambeth Way was purchased with funds from a volunteer committee and installed in 1996, and Two Units was gifted to Museum London in 2000. Both Thibert and Redinger are internationally renowned artists with work in collections all over the world.