Meaning: Red Grooms, an American multimedia artist known for his colorful and whimsical sculptures, paintings, and prints, made the statement, "I had always done these 3D things that you could walk through. They were always done off the seat of my pants without blueprints or course." This quote encapsulates Grooms' approach to creating immersive, three-dimensional artworks that defy traditional artistic conventions and embrace spontaneity and improvisation.

Grooms' statement reflects his distinctive artistic philosophy, which prioritizes the physical and experiential aspects of art-making over technical precision or meticulous planning. Throughout his career, Grooms has been celebrated for his innovative approach to three-dimensional art, particularly his immersive installations and environments that invite viewers to physically engage with the artwork.

Grooms' use of the phrase "off the seat of my pants" suggests a sense of improvisation and intuitive decision-making in his creative process. Rather than meticulously drafting blueprints or following a predetermined course of action, Grooms relies on his instincts and creative intuition to guide the development of his three-dimensional artworks. This approach allows for spontaneity and a sense of freedom in the artistic process, enabling Grooms to create dynamic and unpredictable compositions that capture the energy and vitality of his subjects.

The concept of creating "3D things that you could walk through" underscores Grooms' commitment to breaking down the traditional boundaries between art and its audience. By crafting immersive environments and sculptures that viewers can physically interact with, Grooms challenges the passive observer role typically associated with visual art. Instead, he encourages active participation and exploration, inviting viewers to move through and around his artworks, experiencing them from multiple vantage points and engaging with them on a tactile and sensorial level.

One of Grooms' most renowned works that exemplifies this approach is "Ruckus Manhattan" (1975), an expansive, walkable sculptural interpretation of New York City that blurs the line between art and environment. Comprising a series of larger-than-life, cartoonish figures and architectural elements, "Ruckus Manhattan" invites viewers to wander through its bustling streets and dynamic urban scenes, immersing themselves in Grooms' vibrant and idiosyncratic vision of the city.

Grooms' emphasis on creating three-dimensional works reflects his belief in the power of art to transcend traditional boundaries and engage viewers in a multisensory and participatory experience. By eschewing blueprints and predetermined courses in favor of intuitive, improvisational creation, Grooms embraces the spontaneity and dynamism inherent in the artistic process, resulting in artworks that pulse with energy and invite viewers to actively engage with their surroundings.

In conclusion, Red Grooms' statement encapsulates his innovative and unconventional approach to creating three-dimensional art that prioritizes immersive experiences, spontaneity, and active viewer participation. Through his vibrant and dynamic sculptures and installations, Grooms challenges traditional artistic conventions and invites audiences to engage with art in a tactile, multisensory manner. His commitment to crafting "3D things that you could walk through" underscores his belief in the transformative power of art to transcend boundaries and create immersive, interactive encounters that resonate with viewers on a visceral and emotive level.