In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Ernest Trova (1927 - 2009) was among the most widely acknowledged sculptors working in the United States, resulting in invitations to exhibit in three Whitney Annuals, three Venice Biennales and Documenta 4 in Kassel, Germany.

The main composition of his oeuvre has been the vertical construction, based on the standing figure; previous series exploring the reclining figure, and the resultant "War Machines", gave rise to these dynamic horizontal pieces.

Rubin's densely impacted fields of drips, splashes, and swirling lines would be unthinkable without the seminal work of that pioneering Abstract Expressionist. The issue of indebtedness soon fades, however, as Rubin proves his ability to deliver fresh-looking work in this familiar territory.