Nautical-themed sculpture joins outdoor collection
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Below, at a previous installation. |
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The sculpture, “Poseidon’s Eye,” is the creation of Utica, N.Y.-based artist Jonathan Kirk. It was installed April 25 in the area between Maytum Hall and Rockefeller Arts Center.
In Greek mythology, Poseidon was the god of the sea. Kirk said his works often include maritime themes. He said his sculptures, while abstract, are “evocative of a wide range of sources, from the natural and organic world, to forms of industrial and naval architecture.”
“The pieces relate partial narratives - stories without endings. The collective visual unconscious is plundered and sampled; we have all seen these shapes before but where exactly?” Kirk said.
Born in Saffron Walden, Great Britain, Kirk earned his bachelor of fine arts degree from St. Martins School of Art, London in 1978 and his master of fine arts degree from Syracuse University in 1980.
Kirk has received grants and awards from the Constance Saltonstall Foundation, New York Foundation for the Arts, the Pollock Krasner Foundation, the Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Foundation, the Ludwig Vogelstein Foundation and the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation.
He has shown widely in group and solo exhibitions and has work in permanent collections throughout the East Coast. From 1980 to 2000, Kirk was the studio manager at Sculpture Space Inc. The Utica-based organization selects 20 artists each year for two-month residencies and has helped to advance the careers of more than 400 national and international artists since 1976.
Kirk is represented by Robert Steele Gallery in Chelsea, New York City.
“Poseidon’s Eye” is Kirk’s second sculpture to be displayed on the SUNY Fredonia campus. In 1999, his sculpture called “Jonah’s Tale” was installed in front of what is now Rosch Recital Hall.
“I’m delighted to be here again,” Kirk said. “I’m grateful to Bob (Robert Booth, professor of New Arts and Visual Media, who coordinates the “In Sight/On Site” program). I’m glad to see the campus collection growing and thriving.”
Supported by the Department of Visual Art and New Media, the student art group ARTFORUM, the SUNY Fredonia Office of the President and Friends of Rockefeller Arts Center, “In Sight/On Site” is designed to give the campus and the community the opportunity to see the latest in contemporary sculpture and while fostering an appreciation of art in public places.
Under the “In Sight/On Site” program, SUNY Fredonia accepts outdoor sculpture for an ongoing, revolving installation on campus. The site preparation, such as the creation of concrete pads for the sculptures, is done by the campus department of Buildings and Grounds with cooperation from Kevin Cloos, director of Building Services and Grounds, and Mike Wygant, maintenance supervisor.
“Poseidon’s Eye” will remain on the SUNY Fredonia campus for two years.
