Stephen Talasnik

Interpretation

First, take a moment to notice the monumental size of this drawing. Next, consider how its knot of lines sinuously intersects across the paper, suggesting the scaffolding of a building. 

Artist Stephen Talasnik grew up in an industrial urban neighborhood in Philadelphia, and he finds inspiration in the built environment—especially in scaffolding. Talasnik also creates large sculptures that stem from his drawing practice. He describes this practice as “fictional engineering,” meaning that he works intuitively, without math. He explains:

I am . . . consumed with a linear, gestural language of engineering without the implied requirements of function. Completeness of a structure is felt rather than measured.

Acquisition Notes

Savant is currently on loan while the museum considers acquiring it. In 2024, Stephen Talasnik contacted the museum to discuss a potential gift honoring the 50th anniversary of his 1976 graduation from RISD. Following a studio visit and further discussion, Talasnik suggested giving a drawing to recognize the lasting impact of training he received at RISD from photographers Aaron Siskind and Harry Callahan. “Both Siskind and Callahan taught me to see light in complete darkness,” he elaborates.” They taught me the importance of drawing as seeing.”

–Conor Moynihan, associate curator of prints, drawings, and photographs