Despite being entirely metallic, these sculptures evoke the biological machinery studied in labs across CSHL. Reminiscent of plant and animal cells, these industrial fusions of chains, nuts, bolts, and machine parts were a centerpiece of CSHL’s Nothing but Steel art exhibition. Conceived and curated by local artist Christopher Solbert, the show ran from June 1 to October 31, 1987. Alongside Malpass’ two evocative sculptures, the public exhibition featured 22 other works by 19 artists.
Science and art have long been intertwined at CSHL. Since its inception, the Laboratory has acquired a vast and varied collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works. Many of these are available for public viewing. They’re routinely encountered on campus tours, and longer events like the CSHL Center for Humanities and History of Modern Biology’s 2024 Science Meets Art Festival.
When Nothing but Steel ended in 1988, most of the exhibit’s metal artwork left CSHL. Malpass’ “Nuts & Bolts” and “Midnight Fair” remained. That year, Richardson Pratt Jr., then-president of Brooklyn’s Pratt Institute, donated the black metal spheres to CSHL for permanent display. Since then, they have stood between Hooper and Jones—protected from the elements by a fresh coat of paint every few years.
Malpass would pass away in 1991, three years after Nothing but Steel’s conclusion. However, his artistic legacy continues to inspire at CSHL and beyond. In fact, “Nuts & Bolts” and “Midnight Fair” are two of more than a dozen metallic spheres the sculptor fashioned throughout his career.
In addition to CSHL, Malpass’ sculptures have been displayed at numerous other facilities across the region, including the General Electric research lab in Schenectady, NY. His work is also featured in several museums and collections throughout the United States, Poland, Bulgaria, and France.