New Sculpture Arrives at GSU for Spring

Art exists to inspire if not to evoke thought or emotion, and so it is with a new nearly seven-foot piece in the breezeway between GSU’s E and G buildings.

A bronze sculpture depicting intertwined figures stands just outside the wing that houses art classrooms and performing arts in Sherman Hall, said Jeff Stevenson, director & curator, Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park and Visual Arts Gallery.

The artist Abbott Pattison (American, 1916-1999) signed and inscribed “Firenze” (Italian for Florence) c. 1960 across the bottom on the piece, which was professionally restored in 2015 to its original dark green patina by Barry Tinsley.

Pattison, whose work dots Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive and complements landmarks such as University of Chicago and Anshe Emet Synagogue, is seen an important figure in the Chicago art world.

Stevenson said GSU is honored to have the new piece, which Pattison left untitled to create room for wonder. “The artwork is realistic enough to let us know they are figures but mysterious enough so we don’t know what they are doing,’’ Stevenson said, adding the site selection extends the artistic experience of those visiting the eastside of campus.

“We chose this space because it evokes thoughts of struggle, dance and movement,’’ Stevenson said.

Sean Susanin donated the 400-pound piece to the GSU Foundation Collection after attending the Sculpture, Wine and Dine event last year to advance the mission of arts and education. It is part of the university’s permanent collection.