Robert Lepper 1961 aluminum and plexiglass sculpture

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September 21, 2024, Fine Art, Modern Design, ...

By Concept Gallery

Sep 21, 2024

Set Reminder 2024-09-21 10:00:00 2024-09-21 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : September 21, 2024, Fine Art, Modern Design, Silver, Antiques, Prints, Carpets & More https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/concept-gallery/september-21-2024-fine-art-modern-design-silver-antiques-prints-carpets-more-16530
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• Lot Description
  Lepper, Robert (American, West Virginian/Pennsylvanian 1906-1991), Untitled, 1961, aluminum, plexiglass, steel fasteners, and type slugs, 28 x 10 x 10 inches, signed with type slugs under lower box edge, Provenance: acquired from the artist by a teaching college at Carnegie Mellon, Robert L. Lepper (1906-1991) was born in Aspinwall, PA near Pittsburgh and graduated from Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1927 (now Carnegie Mellon University).After spending thirteen months in Europe studying art, Lepper worked for the "Sun-Telegraph" as a "hack artist." He joined the faculty at Carnegie Tech in 1930, where he would remain until his retirement in 1975. He married Helen Jewett in 1933. They had one daughter, Susan .Mr. Lepper was instrumental in establishing the first degree-granting School of Industrial Design at Carnegie Tech in 1934. It was the first of its kind in the country. Many people credit him with developing the academic discipline of Industrial Design. To ease the employment problems caused by the Great Depression, the Works Progress Administration established the Federal Arts Project(1935-1943) to employ the nation's artists. During this time The Treasury Department also established two art programs in the 1930s; the Treasury Relief Art Project and the Section of Fine Arts. Mr. Lepper did two murals in post offices in Grayling, Michigan and Caldwell, Ohio for the Section of Fine Arts(1934-1943). He also painted a mural for the new Mineral Industries Building for West Virginia University during 1940-1942 which depicted the prevalent industries in West Virginia. This mural is one of the most important mural projects done in the tri-state area and arguably the most important mural in the Tri State Area. Lepper also pioneered the use of plastic acrylic resin and plastics in his sculpture. As an educator, he believed in letting students be independent thinkers and use their own creativity. He developed a curriculum within the School of Industrial Design that emphasized this independence in students. One class he taught was Individual and Social Analysis which was a two semester course begun in 1965. The first semester was the Oakland Project. The second semester was called the Retrospective As an Artist. During his tenure at Carnegie Mellon he was one of the most significant influences on Andy Warhol. The project Warhol generated for Lepper's class is one of Warhol's most important early works. Robert Lepper was very much influenced by the impact of the machine on society which is seen in his art work.

  Condition

  in good condition with some pitting to the aluminum and minor loose connections on several of the connections between parts. Merchandise will be packed and transported by the purchaser at their own risk and expense. A list of recommended shippers is on our website: https://www.conceptgallery.com/auctions/shipping/ .
• Shipping Info

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