The Belt series was crafted from strips of vulcanized rubber and neon tubing, marking a departure from traditional sculpture materials to incorporate elements that emphasized the physical properties of gravity and flexibility. Serra was intrigued by the idea of drawing three-dimensionally in space, inspired by the action paintings of Jackson Pollock. He aimed to translate Pollock's dynamic gestural painting into three-dimensional forms using rubber that would naturally drape and unfurl due to its own weight. To further explore this concept, Serra manipulated these strips of rubber, joining them at intersections with bent nails, which resulted in a series of pieces that were both visually striking and structurally innovative (The Museum of Modern Art).
His work during this period was characterized by a keen interest in the physical and tactile properties of materials. Serra's approach was not just about the visual aspect of the sculptures but also their interaction with the surrounding space and the observer. He used neon to linearly describe the pieces in another material, intending to highlight the simplicity and directness of the drawing-like quality of the rubber strips. This method was part of a broader exploration of drawing as a conceptual and spatial practice, extending the definition of drawing beyond the paper to include the space and the interaction of materials within it (The Museum of Modern Art).
Before Serra's foray into large-scale steel installations, his early work, including the "Belt Series," was pivotal in his development as an artist. After studying English literature and later painting at Yale University, where he was exposed to the works and philosophies of significant artists from the New York School, Serra's artistic trajectory took a definitive turn towards sculpture. His time at Yale and subsequent travels in Europe, particularly his exposure to the work of Constantin Brâncuși and the masterful "Las Meninas" by Diego Velázquez in Spain, led him to reconsider the medium of painting. This introspection ultimately pushed him towards experimenting with materials like rubber and lead, setting the stage for his later monumental works (Wikipedia).
The "Belt Series" exemplifies Serra's innovative approach to materials and form, foreshadowing his later monumental works that would come to define his legacy in the art world. These early experiments with rubber and neon not only challenged conventional notions of sculpture but also expanded the dialogue around the materiality, process, and environmental engagement of sculptural works. Through his exploration of materials and their intrinsic properties, Serra has continually invited viewers to engage with his art in a deeply physical and perceptual manner, blurring the lines between sculpture, space, and the act of viewing itself.
