Kenneth Snelson
1927–2016
Introduction
Kenneth Duane Snelson (June 29, 1927 – December 22, 2016) was an American contemporary sculptor and photographer. His sculptural works, exemplified by Needle Tower, are composed of flexible and rigid components arranged according to the idea of 'tensegrity'. Snelson preferred the descriptive term floating compression.
Snelson said his former professor Buckminster Fuller took credit for Snelson's discovery of the concept that Fuller named tensegrity. Fuller gave the idea its name, combining 'tension' and 'structural integrity.' Kārlis Johansons had exhibited tensegrity sculptures several years before Snelson was even born. The height and strength of Snelson's sculptures, which are often delicate in appearance, depend on the tension between rigid pipes and flexible cables.
Wikidata identifier
Q931065
Information from Wikipedia, made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License . Accessed April 25, 2025.
Introduction
American sculptor known for his monumental kinetic works constructed metal cables and tubes.
Country of birth
United States
Roles
Artist, photographer, sculptor
ULAN identifier
500007005
Names
Kenneth Snelson, Kenneth D. Snelson
Information from the Getty Research Institute's Union List of Artist Names ® (ULAN), made available under the ODC Attribution License. Accessed April 25, 2025.
