Ian Pedigo’s solo show of his new work, “The State of Before As Its Form” at Gallery Cardenas Bellanger, is a sure treat for anyone interested in Minimalist sculpture. Not only is half-owner Carlos Cardenas friendly and delightfully conversant in art historical and other possible references for the work of Pedigo, but the gallery is located in one of Paris’s more picturesque streets, rue Quincampoix, in the 4th arrondissement.

Although Pedigo seems to have a barrage of found items at his disposal to make his sculptures, in his work one can see a thematic exploration of earth and plastics, natural vs. manmade, and even the transitioning between these (seeming) binaries. On view are seven sculptures, each made of found materials, whose components not only create a dialogue within themselves, but also with each other. Upon entering the gallery, I was immediately aware of space. This is why I love minimalist sculpture—it gives the viewer such a sense of physical awareness, it is like meditating, but (thankfully) without all the concentration.

Thanks to Pedigo’s works and the way they were installed, the gallery itself became a work of art, even the rectangle of the fluorescent tube lighting attached to the ceiling. Mr. Cardenas and I spent some time ruminating about the way the sculptures so successfully engage negative space, including the way the tape on the wood in Certain Distances from the Floor recalls the silhouettes in a city skyline. This particular sculpture has a fresh take on light sculpture that Dan Flavin pioneered. It draws attention back to the object itself, the fluorescent light tube, in all its non-lit glory. Meanwhile, the cement blob that helps anchor In Their Errant Locations is the artist’s adorable pun, perhaps a commentary on the definitions of an artist and the refined hand the artist should wield. Don’t miss this show—like all good art, the more time the viewer spends with the sculptures, the better the work gets.

-- Kate C. Lemay

(*Images, from top to bottom:  Ian Pedigo, The Evidence is Indirect, 2009, birch tree branch, wood, 1,73 x 0,86 x 0,76 m.  Ian Pedigo, The State Of Before As Its Form, January 31 - March 7, 2009; Cardenas Bellanger, Installation view.  Ian Pedigo, The State Of Before As Its Form, January 31 - March 7, 2009; Cardenas Bellanger, Installation view.  Ian Pedigo, In Their Errant Locations, 2009, survival blanket, inflatable ball, rocks (wavelite, jasper) concrete, 0,51 x 1,78 x 1,83 m.)