Typewriter Eraser, Scale X
Quick facts for kids Typewriter Eraser, Scale X |
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| Artist | Claes Oldenburg Coosje van Bruggen |
| Year | 1999 |
| Type | sculpture |
| Dimensions | 350 cm (227+1⁄4 in × 152+1⁄2 in × 136 in) |
| Location | National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C. |
| 38°53′30.2″N 77°1′25″W / 38.891722°N 77.02361°W | |
| Owner | National Gallery of Art |
Imagine seeing a giant eraser, so big it looks like it fell from the sky! That's exactly what you'll find with Typewriter Eraser, Scale X, a famous sculpture created by artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. This amazing artwork takes an everyday object and makes it huge, inviting you to look at it in a whole new way.
The main version of this sculpture was built in 1999 and stands proudly in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C.. But it's not the only one! Other versions can be found in places like Seattle Center (near the Museum of Pop Culture) and at the Norton Museum of Art.
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What is Typewriter Eraser, Scale X?
This sculpture is a giant version of a typewriter eraser, the kind that used to clean up mistakes on paper. The artists, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, were known for making everyday objects into huge, playful artworks. They called this particular piece 'Scale X' because it's ten times bigger than a regular eraser!
The sculpture shows a round, red eraser with a blue brush attached, just like the real thing. By making it so big, the artists wanted people to notice the simple beauty and design of an object we often ignore.
The Artists Behind the Giant Eraser
Claes Oldenburg (who was born in 1929 and passed away in 2022) was a Swedish-American artist famous for his 'Pop Art' sculptures. Pop Art was a movement where artists used images and objects from popular culture, like advertisements or everyday items, in their art. Oldenburg loved to take ordinary things and change their size or material to make them surprising and fun.
Coosje van Bruggen (who was born in 1942 and passed away in 2009) was a Dutch-American art historian and artist. She often worked with Oldenburg, and together they created many large-scale public sculptures around the world. Their teamwork brought these imaginative ideas to life, making art accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Why Make a Giant Eraser?
You might wonder why artists would choose to make a giant eraser. Oldenburg and van Bruggen were interested in how we see the world around us. By blowing up the size of a common object, they make us stop and think about it. It's no longer just a tool; it becomes a piece of art that makes you smile and ponder.
The eraser also has a symbolic meaning. It represents correcting mistakes and starting fresh. In a way, it reminds us that it's okay to make errors and learn from them.
Where Can You See It?
The most well-known Typewriter Eraser, Scale X sculpture is in the beautiful National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C.. This garden is a wonderful place where you can see many different modern sculptures outdoors.
Another version is located in Seattle Center, a lively area in Seattle, Washington. This one is close to the Museum of Pop Culture, which is a perfect spot for an artwork that celebrates everyday objects.
You can also find a version at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, Florida. Each location offers a unique setting to enjoy this playful and thought-provoking sculpture.
