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Claes Oldenburg Abstract Sculptures

American, Swedish, 1929-2022

One of the original Pop artists, Claes Oldenburg was born in Stockholm. The son of a Swedish diplomat, he spent his early years in Stockholm and Oslo until the family moved to Chicago in 1937.

Oldenburg attended Yale University, then returned to Chicago, where he worked for a newspaper and also attended drawing classes at the Art Institute. He moved to New York in 1956.

Oldenburg’s early art in New York were works of urban realism in cardboard and paper that were influenced by the work of Dubuffet and the New Realists, and were seen as a brutal response to society. In 1961 Oldenburg rented a storefront on the Lower East Side and sold brightly painted plaster objects as well as three-dimensional and wall reliefs based on hamburgers, pastries, men's and women's clothing, and other commodities. The signature soft sculptures followed, objects of commonplace household objects made of vinyl or canvas stuffed with kapok. These pieces transformed the medium — the soft sculptures are intended to be sensual experiences and commentary on our material world of objects and our relationship to them.

In 1965, still working in vinyl, plaster and cardboard, Oldenburg began making large works termed “Colossal Monuments,” which are large public sculptures with public and private meanings. In the 1970s, Oldenburg was fabricating large-scale works in durable materials such as steel, and working with Coosje van Bruggen, he had received many such public commissions in the United States and Europe.

Find authentic Claes Oldenburg sculptures, prints and other art on 1stDibs.

(Biography provided by Art Commerce)

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Artist: Claes Oldenburg
Soft Alphabet
Soft Alphabet

Soft Alphabet

By Claes Oldenburg

Located in London, GB

Complete set of 41 sewn cotton, sand-filled bags, contained in a wooden box with screenprinted box lid, 1978, signed and numbered from the edition 13 of 16 (there are also 2 artist’s...

Category

1970s Pop Art Claes Oldenburg Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Cotton, Wood

Fire Plug Souvenir-'Chicago August 1968' (Platzker 10), Claes Oldenburg
Fire Plug Souvenir-'Chicago August 1968' (Platzker 10), Claes Oldenburg

Fire Plug Souvenir-'Chicago August 1968' (Platzker 10), Claes Oldenburg

By Claes Oldenburg

Located in Fairfield, CT

Artist: Claes Oldenburg (1929-2022) Title: Fire Plug Souvenir-'Chicago August 1968' (Platzker 10) Year: 1967 Medium: Cast plaster with acrylic paint Sculpture Size: 7.875 x 7.5 x 5.8...

Category

1960s Pop Art Claes Oldenburg Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Plaster, Acrylic

Profiterole
Profiterole

Profiterole

By Claes Oldenburg

Located in London, GB

Cast aluminium with latex paint, brass, 1989, signed, titled, dated, and numbered by incision on a brass disk in base, from the edition of 75 (there are also 25 artist’s proofs), pub...

Category

1980s Pop Art Claes Oldenburg Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Brass

Geometric Mouse Scale E 'Desktop'
Geometric Mouse Scale E 'Desktop'

Geometric Mouse Scale E 'Desktop'

By Claes Oldenburg

Located in Miami, FL

TECHNICAL INFORMATION: Claes Oldenburg Geometric Mouse Scale E 'Desktop' 2013 Painted aluminum sculpture on painted aluminum base 6 1/2 x 8 1/4 x 6 1/...

Category

2010s Pop Art Claes Oldenburg Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Aluminum

Sculpture In The Form Of A Bicycle Saddle
Sculpture In The Form Of A Bicycle Saddle

Sculpture In The Form Of A Bicycle Saddle

By Claes Oldenburg

Located in Miami, FL

TECHNICAL INFORMATION: Claes Oldenburg Sculpture In The Form Of A Bicycle Saddle 1976 Glazed brown ceramic with mahogany base and sand 14 x 8 1/2 x d: 8 1/2 in. Edition of 36 Signed...

Category

1970s Pop Art Claes Oldenburg Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

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Claes Oldenburg abstract sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Claes Oldenburg abstract sculptures available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Claes Oldenburg in ceramic, metal and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 1970s and is mostly associated with the Pop Art style. Not every interior allows for large Claes Oldenburg abstract sculptures, so small editions measuring 16 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Jeff Koons, Jeon Kang Ok, and Helder Batista. Claes Oldenburg abstract sculptures prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $20,250 and tops out at $25,000, while the average work can sell for $22,625.