Jim Pallas

the long version

Initiating the 1978 Works in Progress series is an exhibition of sculpture by Jim Pallas. An artist well-known to Detroit, where he was born and educated, Pallas has ,been producing innovative kinetic pieces since 1968. Seven sculptures by Pallas completed over the past four years have been assembled for this exhibition. The core of the show, however, is a highly original environmental piece designed specifically for the Institute's North Court. North Court Tubedance is the largest work Pallas has ever constructed. Beginning late last December with the installation of a test piece, staff and visitors alike have been waiting in anticipation of seeing this work take form. The number, size, color, and configuration of the polyethelene tubes which inflate and deflate varies as the artist periodically alters the piece, exploring new permutations. The artist takes into account North Court activities such as luncheons and frequent pedestrian traffic, observing and relating the sculpture to the function of the space and creating an interactive piece which involves the viewer as partial programmer of the work of art. It is Pallas's concern for the role of people in his art that distinguishes his work within the range of kinetic sculpture.