'Weight is a value for me, not that it is any more compelling than lightness, but I simply know more about weight than lightness and therefore have more to say about it' . The immense steel plates used in Richard Serra's sculptures stand poised thanks to a carefully calculated play of forces, drawing on a thorough knowledge of the basic laws of physics. An opportunity for a brief refresher course…
Galileo and gravity
In physics, contrary to its common usage, the term 'weight' indicates the force exerted by the pull of the Earth's gravity on an object, and not that object's number of kilograms (which corresponds in fact to its 'mass'). Experiments carried out by the Italian scientist Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) proved that in a given place, free-falling objects will always experience the same vertical acceleration. This phenomenon, known as 'weight' is the result of gravitation: the phenomenon of physical interaction that brings about the reciprocal attraction of objects under the effect of their mass. Gravitation keeps us on the ground, and is responsible for natural phenomena such as tides, the orbit of the planets around the Sun, or the spherical shape of most celestial bodies. More generally, gravity determines the overall structure of the universe.
Newton and acceleration
The first quantitative description of 'weight' was formulated by the universal laws of gravity discovered by the English scientist Isaac Newton (1643-1727). Newton's theory of mechanics focuses on the study of acceleration, rather than just speed, as was the case with Galileo and René Descartes (1596-1650). Newton produced one of the fundamental laws of dynamics, which eventually enabled objects heavier than air to fly, and hence brought about the invention of aircraft.
Einstein and relativity
Building on Newton's discoveries, the German Albert Einstein (1879-1955) developed his theory of general relativity in 1915, describing the force of gravity as a manifestation of the distortion of space-time due to the existence of matter within it. Today, Einstein's theory still allows us to describe our astronomical observations. However, Newton's law of gravity remains an excellent approximation for speeds slower than that of light.
These theories have defined a field of knowledge that has proved essential for the creation of works of art such as those by Richard Serra. Although static, they play on the laws of physics, and their dynamic effects. For his monumental schemes, Serra is in fact assisted by an engineer, who calculates their feasibility. Richard Serra's sculptures explore the application of the most basic laws of physics. Serra plays on our intuitively sculptural concept of these laws. His work seems to question our perception of space by constraining form, seemingly beyond the limits of its inherent physical properties.
Richard Serra tells us what he knows about weight through his increasingly daring works, often featuring forms at the very limits of their point of equilibrium. What techniques does the artist use to play with balance? And how does he make gravity an instrument of his art?
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