CHESS TABLES, 2014

JIM DRAIN
b. 1975, United States

Chess Tables, 2014

Metal and terrazzo tiles
36 x 72 x 20 in.

Collection of The Bass. Purchased through the John and Johanna Bass Acquisition Fund (2018.011.001).

Jim Drain integrates found materials that are at once ultramodern and tribal, yet playful and mystical, creating new forms that push the boundaries of structure. As a former member of Forcefield, a collective formed in Providence, RI in the 1990s that combined music, performance, film and installation into one practice, Drain continues to work collaboratively in an extensive mix of mediums, incorporating psychedelic hues and patterns in a combination of formal exploration, art history and popular culture.

Commissioned for The Bass’ TC: Temporary Contemporary public art program in 2014, Drain produced Chess Tables, which consists of two chess tables and four chairs. The work explores the use of pattern through a complex geometric design comprised of steel tubing and terrazzo tiles. Inspired by public chess tables in other urban parks, the project was designed to provide a social gathering point for chess enthusiasts in Collins Park.