Claes Oldenburg's paint brush sculptures, created in collaboration with Coosje van Bruggen, are notable works that exemplify the duo's ability to transform ordinary objects into monumental art pieces. One of the most famous of these is "Paint Torch," installed in 2011 outside the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) in Philadelphia. This 60-foot-tall sculpture features a giant paintbrush held aloft, with a "blob" of paint splashed on the ground below. Constructed from stainless steel and aluminum and painted with bright, vivid colors, "Paint Torch" embodies Oldenburg and van Bruggen's characteristic blend of whimsy, scale, and everyday subject matter.

"Paint Torch" was commissioned by PAFA to celebrate the institution's commitment to both traditional and contemporary art. The choice of a paintbrush as the subject is fitting, given the academy's focus on fine arts education and its history of producing notable painters. The towering brush, tilted dynamically as if mid-stroke, captures the moment of artistic creation, symbolizing inspiration and the act of painting itself. The vibrant orange "blob" of paint on the ground adds a playful element to the piece, grounding the sculpture and connecting it to the viewer's space.

The technical execution of "Paint Torch" highlights Oldenburg and van Bruggen's expertise in material and form. The sculpture's massive scale and the realistic detailing of the brush bristles and handle demonstrate the artists' skill in translating everyday objects into monumental forms. The use of durable materials like stainless steel ensures the sculpture's longevity, while the vivid colors used in the paintbrush and "blob" create a striking visual impact that captures the viewer's attention from a distance.

In addition to "Paint Torch," another notable paintbrush sculpture by Oldenburg and van Bruggen is "Brushstroke Group," located at the L.A. County Museum of Art (LACMA). Installed in 2006, this piece features multiple paintbrushes and brushstrokes rendered in large-scale forms, capturing the dynamic motion and fluidity of painting. This work, like "Paint Torch," emphasizes the theme of artistic creation and the physical act of applying paint to canvas, celebrating the process and energy inherent in the making of art.

Claes Oldenburg's paintbrush sculptures are powerful examples of how everyday objects can be reimagined and elevated through art. By focusing on tools of artistic creation, Oldenburg and van Bruggen pay homage to the act of making art itself, celebrating both the mundane and the extraordinary. These sculptures not only transform public spaces with their playful and imaginative designs but also invite viewers to engage with the creative process in new and inspiring ways.