Project Files
name: label: Collection Creator
content: Snelson, Kenneth, 1927-2016
setName: label: See more items in
content: Kenneth Snelson papers
physdesc: label: Extent
content: 10.8 Linear Feet (Boxes 6-17)
unitdate: label: Date
content: 1947-2016
dataSource: label: Archival Repository
content: Archives of American Art
identifier: label: Identifier
content: AAA.snelkenn, Series 3
objectType: label: Type
content: Archival materials
arrangement: label: Arrangement
content: The series is arranged as six subseries.

3.1: Sculptures, 1948-2016

3.2: Towers and Columns, 1960-2016

3.3: Atom Model, 1960-2014

3.4: Computer Pictures, 1987-1996

3.5: Patents, 1947-2004

3.6: Cataloging and Publishing, 1986-2015
scopecontent: label: Scope and Contents
content: Project files date from 1947-2016 and comprise nearly half of the collection at 10.8 linear feet. Projects include Snelson's sculptures, towers, columns, atom model, computer pictures, patents, and cataloging and publishing projects. Files pertaining to the sculptures, towers, and columns contain a great deal of photographic material of the artwork, models, and installation. Also found are sketches, notes regarding specifications, material samples, supply receipts, invoices, and correspondence with dealers, contractors, institutions, and companies commissioning work. When known, the artwork's creation date is expressed in parentheses, while the expanded date range reflects Snelson's reworking, ongoing research, and documentation of certain projects over a period of years.

In Snelson's atom model project, he explores parallels between the atom and one of his work processes in which simple forms are combined to create more complex forms. His research led him to communicate with scientists and write several essays expanding on the idea of his atom model. Items found here include correspondence, writings, research, notes, printed material, and photographic material depicting his atom model. Snelson worked with this model for several decades.

Computer pictures document the artworks that Snelson created in the 1980s and 1990s using the Silicon Graphics 3130 computer and Wavefront software. Files contain correspondence, notes, and printed material pertaining to the computer and software program, as well as photographs and transparencies of dozens of artworks generated with the software.

Patents include drawings, correspondence, notes, writings, and documents related to the patent process for several inventions, including the atom model and the concept of tensegrity. Cataloging and publishing projects seek to document life events and bodies of work. Items include writings, correspondence with publishers, a chronology, and an inventory that incorporates thumbnail images.

Snelson's photography and panoramas can be found in Series 5.