I am posting regularly on the recent placement of the 2008-2009 ArtInPlace public sculptures along the byways of Charlottesville. Please follow me in this series as I give you a little tour...
When I was presented the images of Maine sculptor Antoinette Prien Schultze's work on the first day of judging, I thought this was a no brainer. Massive chunks of granite imbedded with bits of glass and beautifully constructed. That's what large scale outdoor sculpture is all about. Better yet, in Antoinette's piece titled Syllogism, she has evoked the bodies of two sentries stationed at their post. They brave all weather and stand rock solid. Their simplicity speaks volumes – not an easy feat for a 13 foot tall structure. It got high marks from me throughout the selection process, and they now stand on the Preston Avenue median near Rose Hill Avenue.
Specifically about Syllogism, I am most attracted to its undeniable materiality. It is rock. It comes from the earth. It isn't fancy or polished. It is firmly planted on the ground. No question what it is or where it came from. It is truly elemental in nature and strong in character. Antoinette's skill at giving it life and personality is the cherry on top.
Antoinette says this about the piece:
A "syllogism" is defined as a formal argument with a conclusion that is supported by a major premise and a minor premise. This sculpture has a strong and imposing presence that evokes the feeling of ancient stele (one larger than another) that stand beside each other and rise up in rhythmic arched unison. The space created between the two stones is inviting and large enough to serve as a passageway... I like to think of "Syllogism' as a pathway or gateway to peace and harmony. The small pieces of yellow glass that embellish the front and back of the sculpture represent the spirit of hope in us all.
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