Chromed bumpers become front yard sculptures

At least as far back as the early 1900s Tucson was (and continues to be) a haven for artists. So it is not entirely unexpected to come across art works on display in front yards around the city. Some are works–usually sculptures–that have been purchased by the homeowners. Some are the artists own works placed prominently in their own front yard.

So here is what I came across during a random drive through the Samos neighborhood. I am certain that they are the creation of the artist/homeowner because there appears to be the entrance to a studio just to the right of these sculptures.

Who are these guys?

Back in the 1960s there was a movement in California of artists creating using found materials. Do these sculptures follow in that tradition? The two men–well, they look like two men, but perhaps are parent and child or perhaps even kachinas with a lightning bolt on its head–are created from chromed car bumpers. I’m not certain if the parts that make up the “head” are also from cars or from something else.

Looking closer one can see the spaces for the car license plate are still visible.

This impressive gate with rusted iron shields is located just to the right of the two chrome bumper sculptures on the same property. Does this lead to the artist’s studio/work space? It’s another Tucson mystery which may be solved the next time there is an Open Studio Event for artists. Because of the pandemic there were no Open Studios in 2020.

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