Miranda Dyson, Children’s Education Associate
When you come across a work of art that’s in motion, how do you feel? Depending on the art piece, I typically witness a viewer’s surprise, followed by fascination and patient observation. Art in action draws focus by creating visual patterns and rhythms, sometimes reminiscent of a dance. Artists make kinetic sculptures with motion in mind, considering how the art piece will interact with the surrounding space, and envision multiple compositions within one work. This kind of sculpture responds to the wind or touch, and requires attention to detail in assembly regarding balance. Because so many are outside, weather resistant materials like steel or bronze are popular material choices.
Kinetic sculptor Alexander Calder was fascinated with the movement in his wire creations, saying, “Nothing at all of this is fixed. Each element able to move, to stir, to oscillate, to come and go in its relationship with the other elements in its universe.” He began experimenting with moving artwork when he was creating circus inspired sculptures. Known for his delicate looking mobiles suspended from ceilings, Calder created whimsical and airy sculptures, often painted bright red.
Looking to the FWMoA sculpture court, we see Bruce Stillman’s work, A Kinetic Sculpture, made of stainless steel and stone. The four main sections sway independently, each having their own fulcrum, and cross into each other’s visual plane to create new shapes. The sculpture calmly sways in the breeze, having weight enough to keep the rhythm slow and controlled.
A view from the side shows the mechanics behind this sculpture. While some kinetic sculptors hide or distract from functional hardware, Stillman incorporates it into his work. The metal and stone base has the vertical stands of the sculpture secured, and the viewers’ attention is drawn up to the organic curves reflecting in the light. Stillman said of his work, “I consider [my sculptures] a tool for the environment to express itself, from the delicacy of the breeze to the power of high winds.”
Originally created as an installation for Times Square, this wood-carved sculpture is covered in bright colors, patterns, and texture. Reminiscent of eye-catching billboards, text wraps around the base and top in varying fonts, and accompanies images on the center column. Wishing on You invites viewers to interact with this work by standing or sitting on the step and platform. The kinetic portion of this sculpture is the center column, that spins when viewers push against it, with inertia keeping the wheel spinning for several minutes after. It almost appears as a miniature of Times Square, with lights, varying patterns, and motion, incorporated into one.
FAILE, an artistic collaboration between Patrick McNeil, and Patrick Miller, often invite their viewers to consider underlying duality and deeper meaning within their works. This piece stands as a satirical critique of consumerism and calls societal desires into question. Many of the phrases mirrored the messages seen in Times Square’s surrounding signage. I see this as a work that calls us to look closely at what we affirm and allow as regular influence in our lives.
It’s so unique to have hands-on art in a museum! Children and adults alike have enjoyed spending time in our lobby discovering hidden details, learning about the process of installation, and actually touching art!
The first time I saw a bike attached to this sculpture by John Mishler, I was confused. Why would anyone tie their bike to a sculpture? What do they think this is, a bike rack?
Turns out, it is.
This functional work of art was created during the Sculpture with a Purpose Initiative, celebrating Purdue Fort Wayne’s (formerly IPFW) 50th anniversary. Focusing on celebrating cycling, as well as visually enhancing the streets of Fort Wayne, this project envisioned 50 new sculptures that all accommodate bikes! The tripod base of Renewal has areas to attach bike locks on two of its legs. The reflective surfaces shine in the sunlight and contrast the black, red, and bronze accents.
The very top of this sculpture is where we can see the kinetic action of this work, with an abstracted bicycle turning atop a vertical pole. A cutout near this spinning bike sculpture creates an intersection that the wheels can pass through. Though subtle, the movement we see changes the feeling of the entire artwork, and gives a nod to its intended function.
To see these and other outdoor sculptures, visit FWMoA and enjoy art on our lawn and in our Sculpture Court!