Folding Triangles

Judy Holden, Folding Triangles  (20th century). Leather. FSU MoFA 70.245.

This piece is made of triangular shapes which come together in order to form other geometric shapes. The work itself can also be manipulated to create many different forms meaning that the artist, Judy Holden, left curatorial decisions up to the museum personnel. This aspect of the work allows the curators to adjust as they wish. By doing this, visitors may have a different experience with Folding Triangles if there were to visit again. The changing display of the work keeps the exhibit fresh and new, much like the contemporary art movement.

The familiarity of the leather material entices museum visitors to want to reach out and touch the piece as if they had never touched leather before. This aspect fits within our sub theme of texture. Also along the lines of texture, Folding Triangles is reminiscent of the hands-on activity of origami or the brightly colored puzzle tangram. Both of these engage the sense of touch in order to create a completed finished product. This piece is unique in its ability to be manipulated and its engagement with both the familiar and unfamiliar.

Exhibition Notes: 

Arguably the most dynamic piece displayed in the exhibition, Folding Triangles is unique in ability to change shape and form. In an effort to accentuate these qualities, it was isolated as the only piece on the back wall of the gallery. Upon entering the gallery space, this piece was situated against the opposite wall, on a pedestal just above ground level. On the wall surrounding the work would have been a variety of vinyl text explicitly addressing different characteristics of the piece, as it relates to both form and texture. This vinyl text would create a sort of framed matting, drawing the viewer’s attention to the piece as a focal point within the exhibit. Additionally, the configuration of the object would have been altered in an effort to show its versatility. On the adjacent walls Wheeled Ramp and Untitled were strategically placed on either side. Places Remembered was placed directly in front of Folding Triangles, in order to emphasize the contrast of color, texture and shape.