Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park announces its most recent acquisition, "Neuron" by American artist Roxy Paine. The colossal stainless steel structure stands at 41 feet in the Cultural Commons, an expansive meadow enclosed by trees. Installation occurred in mid-April and the site is now officially open to the public. ìIt is an honor to be a part of this amazing collection and beautiful sculpture park,î said the artist. ARTKABINETT social network for fine art collectors always enjoys a cerebral exhbit.
"Neuron," part of Paine's "Dendroid" series, is an abstract, re-imagined tree hand-constructed of approximately 3,500 stainless steel rods and cylindrical industrial piping commonly used in pharmaceutical and nuclear power plants.
Paine's juxtaposition of nature and industry is central to his acclaim as one of the most important sculptors of his generation.
"I strive for imagery that is between things -- nature and industry, science and art, but not quite comfortable in either world," said Paine (pictured below right).
Among the twenty globally sited Dendroid siblings, "Neuron" is unique. While most of the others more closely resemble trees, this one is the least literal and the most visually complex. Paine's sculpture is one of the most significant acquisitions for the organization in recent years and is the first major enhancement to the outdoor collection since 2002.
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Arguably, "Neuron" is the most compelling to date as a powerful abstract form that breaks freely from traditional representational imagery," said Joseph Becherer, Vice President and Chief Curator of Sculpture at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
"On one hand, it is not immediately linked to a natural form, nor is it directly connected to anything industrial, although it is something of both," said Becherer. ìMore than a complete enigma,
it does suggest excitability and energy of its biological namesake. In one breath, such a sizeable and powerful branching form morphs confidently from nature to industry to biology."
"Nature, sculpture, science and art converge in a highly original way for both the organization and the sculpture," said Becherer. ìIt leads boldly into new horizons for the collection."
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park opened in April 1995 after 13 years of planning and fundraising by the West Michigan Horticultural Society. In 1990, Fred and Lena Meijer were asked for their support, and they embraced the concept of a major cultural attraction centering around horticulture and sculpture. The original vision has turned into a top cultural destination within the Midwest region, known internationally for the quality of its art and gardens.
Comprised of 132 acres of natural wetlands, woodlands, meadows and display gardens, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a year-round experience with indoor tropical, arid, carnivorous, Victorian and seasonal gardens, changing sculpture galleries with exhibitions by international artists, and outdoor acreage featuring an internationally acclaimed Sculpture Park, Children's Garden, Michigan's Farm Garden, amphitheater for summer concert events, nature trails and boardwalks.
The integration of horticulture and sculpture flows throughout the site, uniquely blending both art and nature, setting it apart from other more traditional botanic gardens or art museum experiences.
Recently ranked in the top 100 most-visited art museums worldwide by Art Newspaper, the leading publication in global art news, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has grown to become an international destination. Distinguished by sculptures from well-known artists such as Rodin, Moore, Oldenberg, DiSuvero, and many others, the sculpture representation is significant and on equal terms with other well known arts institutions in the world.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a non-profit organization, privately funded by grants, foundations, and individual and corporate gifts. Meijer Gardens is operated by almost 200 full and part time staff, over 800 volunteers and supported by gifts from more than 21,000 member households and many donors.
The dream is to create a legacy of lifelong learning, enjoyment, and a rich cultural experience for generations to come.
This important addition to the permanent collection is a generous gift of Fred and Lena Meijer.
http://www.meijergardens.org
