Northern Kentucky University

Jack Gron
"Education, Science,
& Technology"
1990

Currently, the Highland Heights campus is home to several pieces of sculpture, each an example of a different artistic school or style.

Formalist sculpture has elements that are recognizable and often have symbolic meaning. In Jack Gron's sculpture, the bronze figure represents humanity and the moving winged forms symbolize the quest for knowledge through technology. Gron's use of variety of metals and construction methods is a further representation of the importance of technology, while the design of the work expresses the equally important concern for elevating the human spirit.

Red Grooms
"Way Down East"
1976-1979

Reds Grooms' use of popular culture conforms to the Pop Art genre. The style of Grooms sculpture is a whimsical representation of reality, resulting in a three-dimensional caricature. Grooms' work includes films, puppet theater, and performance art, all of which have heightened his observation of the human condition. The use of exaggerated figures and bright colors creates a theatrical scene and conveys to the viewer the artist's vision of life as humorous and dramatic. The sculpture was dismantled and placed in storage in 2004, due to sensitivity regarding the racism of the sculpture's subject, pioneer filmmaker D.W. Griffith.

Donald Judd
"Box"
1975-1977

Minimalism was an art style practiced in the 1970s. In search of pure abstraction, Minimalists reduced shapes and forms to their essence. Donald Judd prefers to think of his works as primary objects because they suggest an ideal of simple perfection. Through the use of minimal form, geometric design, and a scale that is neither human nor architectural, Judd's sculptures challenge the viewer's conception of art. His use of industrial materials and process prevents the viewer from establishing a familiar relationship with the work, resulting in an experience that is confrontational.

Marjorie Pease Applegate
"Oseberg, the Dragon
of Northern Lights"
2001

"Oseberg, the Dragon of Northern Lights," is the generous gift of local artist, Marjorie Pease Applegate. The sculpture, rendered in limestone and placed on a marble base, is meant to suggest NKU's school spirit. Not simply in terms of athletics teams but in the general spirit of the university as it moves forward, finding its place not only within the region but nationally as a place of excellence and dynamic engagement.

In addition to the three works described above, NKU also has other man-made features of interest: a large sundial between Nunn Hall and Fine Arts [not pictured], fountains between Nunn Hall/Natural Science [not pictured] and Steely Library's circular drive [not pictured], and Superstructure, a flag-like work near the dorms [not pictured] (originally located in front of Steely Library.)

After the "Big Pig Gig" ended in Cincinnati late in 2000, NKU's entry came to Steely Library. Title: Porcus Triplicis Vocorum: "Voci, Valeri, Viditi!" [not pictured].

Details

• Donald Judd's "Box," 1975-1977. Aluminum, 8'×8'×12'.
• Jack Gron's "Education, Science, & Technology," 1990. Corten steel, stainless steel, bronze, and aluminum, 12'×8'×18'.
• Red Grooms' "Way Down East," 1976-1979. Aluminum and Paint.
• Marjorie Pease Applegate's "Oseberg, the Dragon of Northern Lights," 2001. Limestone.

Credits

• All photos by Barry Anderson.
• Descriptions taken from an Art department brochure designed by Steven McCarthy.
• Page assembled by Rebecca Kelm.