Mother and Child
2010
Wind Kinetic Sculpture
Stainless Steel
7’H and 6’H
Created for an official residence in Washington, D.C.
Two Elements
Entitled Mother and Child, located within a private garden, stands as a striking exploration of the complex dynamics between a mother and her child. The piece is composed of stainless steel, which is meticulously shaped into fluid, curving forms that seem to ebb and flow like the natural rhythms of a familial relationship.
The sculpture captures moments of closeness and separation between the two figures it represents, symbolized by the way the forms sometimes converge and at other times diverge. This movement is enhanced by a kinetic mechanism that allows the sculpture to sway gently, evoking the dance-like interplay of relationships that shift between harmony and independence.
Rubenstein’s choice of material and form, combined with the kinetic aspect, imbues the sculpture with a sense of timelessness and motion, reflecting human connections' ever-evolving and revolving nature. This dynamic interaction invites viewers to reflect on their personal experiences of connection and individuality within relationships, particularly the foundational ones formed between parent and child.
