'Cioran Handrail' — by Urs Fischer

The sculpture (above), currently on view in a show entitled "Defamation of Character" at P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center in New York City, is the first work of art I've ever come across that includes the name of my favorite philosopher, E.M. Cioran.

Haven't heard of him, much less read anything by him?

You should — no one is more bracing and capable of improving your life — if that's what you're after.

But I digress.

Roberta Smith's review in the December 29, 2006 New York Times featured the photo up top.

The show runs through Monday, January 15, 2007.

P.S. 1 is at 22-25 Jackson Avenue (46th Avenue), Long Island City, Queens, New York; 718-784-2084.