Looking like giant toys, Pallas' shiny, painted steel rod sculptures move methodical
ly light on and off, and frequently emit sounds as a reaction to the physical presence
of the viewer. Traditional themes such as self-portrait figure, animals insects and
landscape are given a contemporary structure, made of TTL logic devices and light-emit-
ting diodes i.e. computers and transistors. Pallas however,does not limit himself to
engineer's hardware.'' For the creation of his fanciful and imaginative personages, he
utilizes a wide repertoire of materials: pearl and crystal beads, sequins, feathers,
horse hair, polyethylene bags, plexiglass, and a variety of thin wire and steel rod.
The artist's sense of play, unorthodox use of materials,and desire to build man and
creatures with the materials of technology are seen in pieces such as The Guardian. This
life-size work composed of many parts, inflates and deflates a cadmium yellow
plastic bag body with Superman cape. Its luminous maroon-red automotive paint
covers the rod that forms the futuristic helmet-head. The wire body appears like an ex-
terior skeleton. Attached to the main figure is a similarly made form, an insect com-
plete with a number of fine sensors, feathers, and dangling beads. His head moves
from side to side, securing the way. Panels of electric circuits control the being's life, producing movement and the gentle flutter of tiny bleeps that signal the on-off rhythmic
pattern of red , blue, and yellow lights. Pallas' craftsmanship, technology. and art.
istic imagination have prodiced a body of work that is innovative and interesting,
particularly in the way the sculptures respond ''physicalIy'' to the presence of the
onlooker. One becomes in a sense, a participant In the work, causing a variety of
''happenings'' to occur.
60 x 28 x 31 inches, at rest - wt. 17 lbs.
Welded steel, electronics, fan, painted polyethelene bag,
polyester fiberglas, beads, string, defraction grating.