Edward Kienholz, The Mort Soul Searcher, 1960. Mixed media assemblage with power drill and electric lights, 27 1/2 × 52 1/2 × 18 inches. Gift of Ruth and Ted Baum, 2021.310.
Edward Kienholz, The Mort Soul Searcher, 1960. Mixed media assemblage with power drill and electric lights, 27 1/2 × 52 1/2 × 18 inches. Gift of Ruth and Ted Baum, 2021.310.

The Mort Soul Searcher (1960) by Edward Kienholz

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The Mort Soul Searcher by Edward Kienholz entered the collection of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in 2021. This mixed media assemblage, created in 1960, exemplifies Kienholz’s use of found objects and electric components to create works addressing social and political themes. Its acquisition adds a significant example of mid-20th century assemblage art to the museum’s collection.

Artwork Information

Artist: Edward Kienholz
Title: The Mort Soul Searcher
Year: 1960
Medium: Mixed media assemblage with power drill and electric lights
Dimensions: 27 1/2 × 52 1/2 × 18 in (69.85 x 133.35 x 45.72 cm)
Classification: Sculpture/Assemblage

Donation Information

Institution: Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Credit Line: Gift of Ruth and Ted Baum
Donation Year: 2021
Catalogue: Winter 2021

Learn More

For more information about this artwork or other donations, please contact Museum Exchange at info@museumexchange.com.

The Mort Soul Searcher by Edward Kienholz entered the collection of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in 2021. This mixed media assemblage, created in 1960, exemplifies Kienholz’s use of found objects and electric components to create works addressing social and political themes. Its acquisition adds a significant example of mid-20th century assemblage art to the museum’s collection.

Artwork Information

Artist: Edward Kienholz
Title: The Mort Soul Searcher
Year: 1960
Medium: Mixed media assemblage with power drill and electric lights
Dimensions: 27 1/2 × 52 1/2 × 18 in (69.85 x 133.35 x 45.72 cm)
Classification: Sculpture/Assemblage

Donation Information

Institution: Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Credit Line: Gift of Ruth and Ted Baum
Donation Year: 2021
Catalogue: Winter 2021

Learn More

For more information about this artwork or other donations, please contact Museum Exchange at info@museumexchange.com.

About the Artist

Edward Kienholz (1927–1994) was an American artist known for his assemblage works, often incorporating found objects and everyday materials to critique societal issues. Born in Fairfield, Washington, Kienholz moved to Los Angeles in the 1950s, where he became associated with the Beat movement and developed his signature style of assemblage art. His works frequently engage with themes of violence, poverty, and human rights, using a raw and often confrontational aesthetic. Kienholz's installations and assemblages are held in major institutions, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.