Steel and tile
72” x 72” x 72”
 
Jorge Luis Rodríguez
 
Eulogy to Ana Mendieta is modeled after the loutrophoros, a type of amphora used in ancient Greece for funeral rites. It is dedicated to the memory of the Cuban artist, whom Jorge Luis had met in 1982. Both were among the fifteen artists invited to design site-specific installations for “Art Across the Park.” Three years later, her promising career was tragically cut short when she fell from a 34th floor penthouse apartment in Greenwich Village. Her husband, the minimalist sculptor Carl Andre, was alleged to have pushed his wife to her death during an argument. Much like the scenes and characters depicted on Greek amphorae, the two roosters and two hens are a decorative allusion to this version of events. Moreover, a kinetic effect is activated by the viewer as they walk around the sculpture, simulating a fight and more broadly, the couple’s tumultuous relationship. This optical illusion was inspired by the work of 19th century English photographer Eadweard Muybridge, famous for his photographic studies in motion. Andre was subsequently arrested on second degree murder charges, though his case would be acquitted. A reproduction of one of his minimalist installations is included as the flooring of the sculpture. In addition, the laurel wreath placed atop the six-foot sculpture is an homage to the work of Mendieta. It is an ancient Greek symbol of triumph, later adopted by the Romans, which Jorge Luis uses to “crown” her achievements. Decades later, it can also be considered a reference to her enduring legacy and influence. Eulogy was exhibited in 1986 at a gallery in SoHo, NYC.