WHAT:
Dedication for artist Marco Cianfanelli’s steel sculpture “Knowledge Structure,” the newest piece of public art on the Texas Tech University campus as part of the university system’s 1 Percent for Art program.
The 17-foot-tall mild steel sculpture, designed to rust over time, was designed and created to relate to the work that goes on at the Innovation Hub and Research Park. It is meant to change in appearance from different vantage points. “From some angles it appears to be a naturalistic tree, exploring geometric construction in nature,” said Emily Wilkinson, Texas Tech’s public art director. “From other angles it represents a human brain, connected to the ground by five vertical conduits or columns.
A parallel is drawn between tree and intellect. The trunks and branches represent a notion of different disciplines which are connected, interrelated and interdependent, sharing resources and displaying a process of growth and interconnectedness,” Wilkinson said. “The form of the human brain is evident, a neural network that is connected to, as well as dependent on, the earth. In this sense, the five columns or trunks that support the brain can be seen as conduits. This concept emphasizes the importance of innovation, science and technology in the furthering of humanity, as endeavors that need to be responsive to and in synergy with, the environment.”
WHEN:
4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 21)
WHERE:
Texas Tech University Innovation Hub and Research Park, 3911 4th St.
EVENT:
University System Chancellor Robert Duncan and Michael Molina, vice chancellor for Facilities Planning & Construction, will speak during the dedication ceremony. The University Public Art Committee will also attend.
The dedication event is open to the public. Reservations are requested by Tuesday (Jan. 19) to presidents.events@ttu.edu.
Cianfanelli is well-known for his bold public art pieces and large-scale sculptural works. He was a member of the design team for The Freedom Park, South Africa’s national monument to freedom, in Pretoria. His monumental fragmented portrait sculpture, Release, has recently been inaugurated to symbolically mark the 50th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s capture at the site in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands. He has had seven solo exhibitions and has won numerous awards, including the ABSA L’Atelier and Ampersand Fellowship.
Learn more about the university’s Public Art Program here.
CONTACT:
Emily Wilkinson, public art director, Facilities Planning & Construction, Texas Tech University System (806) 742-2116 or emily.wilkinson@ttu.edu
(News release from Texas Tech University)
