ANDY MANN (American/Texas 1947-2001) A VIDEO SCULPTURE, "Children's Museum Sparkle Box," CIRCA 1992, various types of wood, mirrors, circuitry, and wiring, together with the artist's notebook with sketches and calculations. Height: 35 1/2" Width: 14" Depth: 14" Note: Andy Mann was one of the foremost American video artists of the late 20th century and a fixture in the Houston art scene at an important time. He got his start in New York during the 1970s when video was just becoming an exciting new medium for artistic experimentation. His first video installations were at Leo Castelli Gallery and The Kitchen in New York and he was included in the Whitney Biennials in 1973 and 1975. In 1974 he moved to Houston which remained his home for the rest of his career. His work has been collected by major museums in Texas and throughout the U.S. and he has permanent displays at Texas Children's Hospital and the Children's Museum Houston. For many, he may be best known for his Downtown Video Tree which appeared every holiday season from 1989-1998 in Tranquility Park in front of Houston's City Hall. According to notes in the accompanying artist's notebook, this piece was built and installed for the opening day of the Houston Children's Museum in November, 1992.

The wood is very dry, but in tact. Some of the mirrors are loosening as their sealant dries. There is original wiring as well as a circuit board and an input plug for a video player. There are no videos with this piece and we do not know if the electronics are functional. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."