In preparation for his upcoming solo exhibition at L.A. Louver, Ben Jackel has created a new series of helmets. Oversized and formed from black stoneware (the artist’s choice of clay), Jackel took inspiration from historical helmets made by highly skilled artisans in the 1500s and 1600s.

“The helmet is an object of timeless intrigue.” explains Jackel. “They have served men in myriad ways, from deflecting the blow of a lance to signifying one’s status and power in society. Even though it is only a metal shell, a helmet channels the presence and force of the people who have worn it. The viewer’s eye unconsciously travels to the eye slit of the helmet, looking to make contact. The object transcends its utility and can truly become a figure of its own.”

Viewing these helmets in progress allows for a better understanding of their materiality and even more so, provides greater insight into Jackel’s deft sculpting abilities. Pictured below the studio image are two of the original helmets he chose to recreate (left - Comb Morion, Italian, ca. 1590 / right - Closed Helmet, Southern German, ca. 1520)

Stay tuned on our blog to see how these final helmets took shape!

For a deeper look into Ben Jackel’s body of work, click here for an e-catalogue that features pivotal works created between 2008-2014, along with descriptions and videos of the artist at work. 

Ben Jackel: American Imperium opens at L.A. Louver on Wednesday, February 18, 2015.