John Chamberlain… Randomly
Landmark Center
Park Dr and Brookline Ave
Boston, MA 02215

I have been meaning to comment about this for a while, but it kept slipping my mind. There are a few sculptures by American sculptor John Chamberlain on display on the second level lobby of the Landmark Center. If you are not familiar with Chamberlain’s work, he uses scrap metal and automobile parts to create his often large and colorful pieces. After reading the artist bio and carefully looking at the pieces, you may start to foster some appreciation of the work. But if you don’t, do not feel bad!

I am not usually impressed with modern and contemporary abstract sculpture myself, and my reaction to the pieces by Chamberlain was typical. The work toes the fine line between being a work of art and a literal hunk of junk. I pass by these works as often as I get a smoothie from the Fresh City right next door, and each time my reaction is the same. I simply don’t want to get it.

Chamberlain is influential in the Junk Art movement, and his work is heavily influence by his appreciation of the Abstract Expressionist movement and the sculptor David Smith. While his roots in Art History may be strong, Chamberlain’s work simply does appeal to me on any level –whether it be an ideological or work on an aesthetic one. I have posted some samples of his work, but these are not the ones at the Landmark center. (there are only a few there….)


If you need to swing by Best Buy, Staples or are catching a movie at the Landmark center, then go up to the mezzanine and check out the pieces. If you aren’t in the area don’t bother unless Chamberlain’s work is something you know you will like!