Ira D. Sherman is an American

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

-born sculptor

Sculpture

Sculpture is three-dimensional artwork created by shaping or combining hard materials—typically stone such as marble—or metal, glass, or wood. Softer materials can also be used, such as clay, textiles, plastics, polymers and softer metals...

.

Sherman's sculptural work uses materials and shapes from science and technology, yet “bio-engineered” to interact

Interaction

Interaction is a kind of action that occurs as two or more objects have an effect upon one another. The idea of a two-way effect is essential in the concept of interaction, as opposed to a one-way causal effect...

 with the audience or viewer in a uniquely human way. Many of Sherman’s pieces are, in fact, "prostheses"

Prosthesis

In medicine, a prosthesis, prosthetic, or prosthetic limb is an artificial device extension that replaces a missing body part. It is part of the field of biomechatronics, the science of using mechanical devices with human muscle, skeleton, and nervous systems to assist or enhance motor control...

 created around a humorous social concept. These are worn on the body, and may be very intimate. Many of Sherman’s sculptures have sensors that let them interact with the participant or the audience. Parts of his current traveling exhibitions, "Panaceas to Persistent Problems" and "Impenetrable Devices" have been displayed in exhibitions in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Israel and Japan; the Spertus Museum in Chicago, and the Smithsonian Renwick Gallery

Renwick Gallery

The Renwick Gallery is a branch of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, located in Washington, D.C., and focuses on American craft and decorative arts from the 19th century to the 21st century...

 of the National Museum of American Art have recently acquired Sherman art work for their permanent collections.

Sherman's sculpture "Stange Machine," is also on permanent display at the Louisiana Street Station of the Denver Light Rail system.

External links

• Ira Sherman's official site
• "Impenetrable Devices" Exhibit at the National Ornamental Metal Museum
  National Ornamental Metal Museum
  The National Ornamental Metal Museum is a museum in Memphis, Tennessee for the collection, preservation, and exhibition of historical and contemporary metalwork. The museum is housed in a 1930's brick building on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River that was formerly used as a U.S...
  
  
• MSNBC Report
• Voices of Art Magazine - Impenetrable Devices
• Light Rail sculpture article - Denver Post