Mark Andreas’ “Seed Spreader”

Dam Stuhltrager
2005-07-01

A mutant space robot, or an agricultural gizmo the likes of which Eli Whitney might have cobbled together if he had a sadistic streak. This imposing machine stands ready, on its three spring loaded legs, to bound up, spin its retractable blades and disgorge its seed load on fertile ground. Straddling the classification between sculpture and utilitarian functionality, Mark Andreas’ “Seed Spreader” is beautifully handcrafted of wrought iron, with an intricate system of gears, springs, and drive shafts, and extends a branch of sculpture begun by Jean Tinguely with “Homage to New York,” a sculptural machine that destroyed itself in the garden at MoMA. “Seed Spreader” plants its own garden. Just don’t stand too close.

—James Kalm