August 24, 2013

Collection Name: Other

Collection Number: 2991

Post Type: Photo/s

This item was entered by Ali. They assume full responsibility for all content.

Artist or Author: Tom Van Sant

Creation Year: 1976

Summay:

Van Sant is known for his design of large scale kites. His flying Sculptures have been flown and exhibited at a dozen museums in the United States and Europe. He was one of the first to use the modern materials of fiberglass tube and nylon fabric in kite construction. As such, he is known in the kite world as the father of modern kite making.
"Jacob's Ladder" was first exhibited in 1976 at the Institute of Contemporary Art in London. It consists of 200 segments, lifts up to 2000 pounds, measures 1/4 of a mile in length, and was said it could be climbed by a person into the sky.
Measurements: Basic disc: 11 in. diameter, 3 line attachments per disc, stabilizing rods, 42" long, Top bridles, 21" and Side bridles 22" Est. 9" between each disc. See Ron Moulton's book Kites for wonderful drawings of Van Sant's kites complete with descriptions and measurements. Photos were digitized and retouched by Christine Yuengling Niles of Los Angeles.

Geographic: United States

Kite Type: Figure, Flat

Materials: Fiberglass, Nylon/Synthetic

Significance: Art

Images: (Click to open in viewer.)

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