Analysis

Absolute Uncertainty by Paul Hill, created in December, 2006, is a sculpture composed of steel I-beams, plate steel, wood and concrete. The sculpture measures 11ft X5ft X 5ft and consists of three vertical steel beams, each capped with a circular piece of steel that is filled with a disc of concrete. Two of the discs are hollow and one is filled with a sculpted human face. The three vertical beams are mounted on a hexagonal piece of steel which is anchored to a hexagonal wooden platform. There is an overall geometric design to the sculpture, with the use of vertical lines, circles, triangles and the hexagonal base. This geometric design is offset by the use of organic shapes including the wavy, spiritual lines extending from the vertical beams as well as the arc extending from one beam. Although the sculpture is asymmetrical, it is unified by the rhythm of vertical beams and the neutral color scheme consisting of various values of brown. The three beams appear to represent human form, as implied by the beam containing a human face. They appear to be connected as they are gathered together closely, yet separated by their different heights. The facial figure appears hypnotic, with eyes nearly shut. This facial expression imparts a calm mood of deep inflection and spirituality. Perhaps the artist is illustrating the different aspects of the self. The sculpture’s title, Absolute Uncertainty, implies a sense of awareness of the unknown. The abstract nature of the sculpture adds to this idea. This piece of art reminds me of some of the tribal pieces we have studied. As with the tribal art, there is an air of mysticism and intense thought. I feel this abstract sculpture is a unique expression of the artist’s acknowledgment of the unknown. I think it offers the viewer an opportunity to reflect and consider what it means to them personally.

Paul Hill describes this piece by saying, “The passage of time slowly reveals our inner and outer blemishes...This is the first piece in a series of 5 sculptures...with the intent to involve the observer both physically and physiologically.”