This spring, two contemporary sculptors will create very different site-specific artworks at deCordova by shaping the intangible element of air. Ian McMahon creates voluminous, pillow-like forms using an innovative technique of sprayed plaster. Jong Oh fashions almost imperceptible structures with string, wire, and Plexiglas. While McMahon emphasizes materiality, solidity, and containment, Oh focuses on transparency, lightness, and expansiveness. Despite the enormous contrasts, the two sculptors’ work is complementary. Both reshape space by exploring tension, balance, and force. They challenge our perceptions of gravity and perspective by creating forms that expand into the galleries.

At deCordova, McMahon's sculpture will be over 65 feet long and 25 feet wide—his largest and most complex sculpture to date. Oh's installation will weave between two adjoining galleries, extending from one room into the other.

McMahon and Oh emphasize process, and often make their installations at specific locations, rather than in their studios. At deCordova, they will create original, temporary sculptures that respond to the Museum’s unique exhibition spaces. Sharing the creative process with visitors, the Museum will be open to the public while the two artists install their work between April 4–8 and 11–15. Visitors are invited to observe the artists working in the gallery and attend daily artist talks. The finished works will open to the public on April 20, 2018.

Support for this exhibition is generously provided by Sherry and Joel Mallin, Kumi and Bill Martin, The Nathaniel Saltonstall Arts Fund, Mary and Donald Shockey, Jr., and an anonymous donor.