(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1956 - )
1986
Cast and blown glass, with oxidized metal
20 x 12 1/2 x 12 1/2 in. (50.8 x 31.8 x 31.8 cm)
Collection of the Akron Art Museum
Gift of Annie and Mike Belkin
2001.23
Head with Gears is an example of Hank Adams’ Expressionistic, cast-glass human busts. This work is created using translucent, colored glass, and embedded with oxidized metal objects. Adams gives his busts a distinct, cartoonish look, often, as in Head with Gears, with a dismayed or uncertain expression. Adams has said that what he loves about portraiture is “the line between humor and tragedy”. This bust is cast in a soft, blue-green color, which complements the rust and tarnish of the metal components. The face’s glaring eyes and crooked mouth seem to indicate annoyance, as the head appears to tilt away from the metal “gears” that are perhaps intruding on this individual’s space.