Last week we shared a glimpse into Ben Jackel’s studio featuring his newest series of helmet sculptures while still in progress. Over the past two years, Jackel has created six of these impressive helmets – each with its own distinctive shape and character. Featured above is an example of one completely finished – this particular helmet was modeled after a Southern German combat helmet dating back to 1520. By sculpting the helmets from clay, and on a larger scale, the subject’s forms and refinement come into focus, commanding the viewer’s gaze with their dominating presence.

“Some of these helmets have graceful sweeping lines that portray the elegance and taste of the aristocracy. Other helmets are designed to counter blows from specific weapons.” states Jackel. “After working on these helmets over the past few years my understanding of the objects has grown. I first saw them as images of power, strength and control… but now I also see that by wearing a helmet one also acknowledges their own vulnerabilities." 

Come see this exciting new body of work and much more in Ben Jackel’s upcoming solo exhibition ”American Imperium,“ opening at L.A. Louver on Wednesday, February 18, 2014. 

Interested in reading more about the artist? Click here for a recent press article on him featured in C-FILE.

IMAGE: Ben Jackel, Close Helm, Maximillian, 2014, stoneware, beeswax, 19 x 14 x 23 in. (48.3 x 35.6 x 58.4 cm)