Although not yet completed, a new piece of artwork was installed in the Atrium Art Gallery over the course of Fall Break.
Artist Dale Enochs, creator of the 14-panel stone sculpture that lines the entrance to the art gallery, submitted his initial proposal for the artwork in June of 2001. Enochs was one of 10 artists to vie for the space in which to display their artwork.
Kenton Hall, associate professor of art, said he and the Atrium Art Gallery committee selected the limestone sculpture because it is based on a university experience. The committee, with funding provided from the College of Fine Arts, also had to decide which of the artist's entries would best be suited as a permanent addition to the gallery. The cost of the sculpture remains undisclosed.
"We saw (Enochs') as a drawing, and it seemed appropriate," Hall said. "It captured the aspect of globalization."
The sculpture is hanging on the outer wall near the gallery. The panels stretch across the full length of the wall, each weighing between 75 and 500 pounds Hall said the architecture of the building allowed space for such a sculpture to be placed outside the doors of art gallery.
The piece, which is the building's first commissioned artwork, was installed last Monday so as to avoid possible injuries to students who might have collided with the large cranes used to mount the relief carving.
Enochs said the sculpture will not be completed until the proper cross lighting is installed, which he expects will be in two to three weeks.
"The whole thing is loaded with texture, all those textures will pop out when it is cross lit," Enochs said. "All those zig-zags create an optical image; it looks like it vibrates with the lighting."
Enochs has been working as a sculpturer for more than 20 years. He graduated from Indiana University with experience working with clay sculptings. After graduating, he then began working more with wood and eventually continued his work with stone.
"I like doing public work - large pieces," Enochs said. "It gives me room to move."
Enochs said he has high hopes for visitor appreciation of his art.
"In my mind, interesting art is something you can return to and see as new each time," he said. "I'm hoping it's true of this piece as well."
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