Last year, Auburn Montgomery announced a call for proposals from students and alumni for a large public sculpture to be fabricated by AUM for permanent display on campus.  The proposed sculpture will become a visual symbol for AUM while serving as an appropriate expression of AUM's commitment to its vision of creating a beautiful academic and community space.  

Now we need your help!  The proposals are in and the scale models have been built.  Now is the time for the final selection of the sculpture.  The scale models will be on display in the Library lobby April 15th to April 30th along with the artist statements, for those who can come in person.  

If you are unable to visit campus, photographic images and artist statements can be viewed below. To participate, simply look at the four models and email your name, date attending/attended AUM, and vote from the choices below to sjensen@aum.edu. 

Current students can vote at My AUM.

#1: Prime - approximate size 3 1/2 ft. tall by 10 ft. by 26 ft.,  Materials: cor-ten steel with paint or bronze.

Artist statement: The massive structure will grab attention both for substantial size and fluid beauty but is low enough to encourage interaction from the students.  From the sky, the sculpture will appear as a graceful calligraphic mark on the grounds of the campus.  As you walk up to touch it, the sculpture will become a tangible representation of the strength of the AUM educational foundation.  The sculpture represents the AUM journey as a fluid path of valuable knowledge that is unique for each student.  All individuals linked to AUM will be able to connect at  “Prime” as the sculpture’s surface provides both literal and figurative connection points.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 #4: The Aeolian Harp Wind Tubes - approximate size (of each tube) 5 ft. by 6 inches, 17 ft., Materials: aluminum

Artist statement: Constructed to be "green," requiring no consumable energy to function or maintain, this twisted band of multi-length mirrored aluminum  tubes stands erect to catch and resonate the wind that blows quite abundantly on campus.  Within random tubes are single guitar strings, that  when vibrated by the wind will put out a different tone depending on the strength of the wind in unison with the tubes which will create different pitches; creating a natural symphony of sounds.  The sculpture is intended to direct the resonance to the campus patrons below in an amphitheater-like gathering space creating a unique experience.   I visualize this sculpture near the Library Tower just off the path between Goodwyn and the tower.  We chose to face the wind and embrace it and make the most of what this may offer to our lives.  The Aeolian Harp Wind Tubes become that embodied idea, a reminder that what can seem an impossible venture can be immensely rewarding.

 

 

#2: "Arpeggio" - approximate size 11 ft. tall by 12 ft. by 15 ft.,  Materials: concrete or steel

Artist statement: This piece just came into being by feeling more than reasoning or thinking of a concept.  It provides shelter without enclosure.  It could serve as a kind of “happy spot” for students to go to and actually step into.  The wrap-around shape should offer an interesting acoustic quality.   The AUM West Dormitory was my home when I was a student, so I studied the buildings, sidewalks, roses, and people when not in classes.  This piece is submitted with a great, great deal of pride and love for my University.

 

 

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 #3: "Manufactured Metamorphosis" - approximate size 15 ft. tall by 10 ft. by 10 ft., Materials: stainless steel with clear finish.

Artist statement: The concept for this sculpture is simplicity.  I have always been interested in simple geometric shapes.  While piecing triangles together, I imagined the process of metamorphosis.  I wanted it to seem like a cube was unfolding itself into a totally new shape, changing itself into something special and one-of-a-kind. 

I personally enjoy viewing art that is non-representational.  I believe this allows the viewer’s mind to wander, provoke thought, and interest.   Some people might see a cube ”snake” or simple dragon form.  Some may see only a bunch of triangles.  Regardless, it encourages the imagination.   The quad is full of grass, trees and sidewalks;  I feel this large, metal sculpture would be a wonderful landmark on campus.