“The best aspect of this project was the cooperation between Bybee Stone Co., a classical stone fabricator, and an up-to-date, front running sculptor. When you throw in issues of scale that are unheard of in either arena, the whole exchange of ideas and processes requires adaptation, and was exhilarating. The flexibility and sharing of ideas between both houses did credit to each. It has also been a pleasure, personally, to work with Tom and his staff.”
—Ned Cunningham
BSC Master Carver
Photo ©Jeff Leisz
Location: University of Rochester Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester, New York
Tom Otterness Public Art University of Rochester Memorial Art Gallery
Photo ©Otterness Studio
The Tom Otterness installation, in a new sculpture garden enhancing the entrance to the University of Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery, will mark the gallery’s 100th anniversary in October of 2013. Following a two-year search for an American artist of “meaningful, engaging and accessible work” (April, ’10, University of Rochester press release), Otterness’s proposal won with its sense of wonder.
An internationally known artist of public art, the work of Tom Otterness communicates deftly, often subliminally—to everyman. He’s been labeled the “quintessential public artist for the postmodern age” by Vince Carducci, in the magazine Sculpture (April, ’05). His work has been called both “comic book” and “subversive,” and its themes range from the quest for justice to pure whimsy.
The separate pieces of his installation will convey the “flux and change” of a sculpture studio, according to Otterness, who was inspired by “the ancient idea of bringing a sculpture to life.” The artist says he chose Indiana limestone because he wanted the installation to have a visual connection with the museum, built of the same stone.
