Dark Tower

by Ben Jackel (2017)

A dark tower stands in New York City on 5th Avenue, between 57th and 56th streets. Constructed in 1983, this sleek black glass-surfaced skyscraper has been there for some time. Recently this structure and its creator have acquired tremendous power and been thrust into the global spotlight, controlling the greatest empire in history.

To create and control a towering structure has always been central to the hierarchy and power base of human civilizations. Man-made towers both real and imagines have always been used to channel power and express control. From the tower of Babel, when men hoped to build so high as to actually reach heaven, to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Two Towers in the Lord of the Ring series, nothing represents pure unchallenged power like a commanding, towering structure. When these ultimate objects of power are compromised, we witness the unimaginable tumbling weight and the unspeakable horror that ensues.

I created this sculpture in response to the rapidly changing world around us. As I laid down coil after coil of clay I struggled to understand what was happening. I just knew that I had to keep building upwards. I needed to build my own dark tower.

See this work and more in Jackel’s upcoming exhibition Reign of Fire, on view at L.A. Louver July 19 – September 1, 2017. More details here .

IMAGES: (top to bottom) Ben Jackel, Dark Tower, 2017, stoneware, Douglas Fir, graphite, 84 x 20 x 28 in. (213.4 x 50.8 x 71.1 cm); Trump Tower, New York, NY