Albert Paley Proposal

RE: Morrill Hall

Iowa State University

This proposal is in reference to an artwork to be positioned at the entrance to the Morrill Hall building of the Iowa State University campus. With the restoration of Morrill Hall the main stairway has been divided to right and left stairs thus created a truncated pyramidal structure symmetrical to the opening.

The intent of the artwork is to bring focus and accent to the main entrance of this complex. Because of the massiveness of the new stairway addition the artwork is conceived to be a transitional element beginning with a sculptural relief on the interior vestibule extending outward to become a structural support for the railing on the front balcony and then to proceed down the front wall of the stairway structure. Although the artwork deals with these three principle areas it is designed as a unified concept. This sculpture relief, executed in stainless steel, would function in vivid contrast to the brick exterior thus creating a passage of light extending from the exterior into the interior thereby visually unifying the facade as well as the pedestrian experience. Upon approaching the building the pedestrian would focus on the sculpture as a point of destination and landmark. When ascending the stairs a person would then engage the sculpture on the handrail balcony area and once again when approaching the interior would be directly facing the wall relief. The architectural progression and act of passage which is fundamental to the architectural experience is then accented by the placement of the sculpture in this highly symbolic area. The dynamism of the sculpture is seen as an aspect of contrast within this pedestrian arena.

The sculpture would be executed out of stainless steel plate that would be hydraulically and heat formed to create undulated contours and interweaving of elements. The individual plate-like shapes that seem as if they are in suspension would be physically attached to the wall by stainless steel pins on the back surface that would attach to the masonry. All the edges would be highly refined for pedestrian safety and all of the edges rear the wall would curve inward towards the wall so no one could walk by and brush the sculpture without consequence. The two large diagonal elements that support the handrail would be independent elements that would attach to the top surface of the wall. The banner like shapes as well, would be independent and attach to the archway.  These banner shapes would extend from the exterior, wrap around the wall and penetrate into the vestibule area. The sculpture would be fully fabricated and finished at my studio and shipped to the site for installation. The sculpture would be built completely at my studio and disassembled. Prior to disassembling templates will be made of all the contact points. These templates would be sent to site so the attachment rods can be placed prior to the arrival of the sculpture. The logistics of this sequencing will expedite the installation. Due to the fact that every thing id pre-fitted and finished I do not see the installation taking any more than a couple of days. The sculpture is designed to be a support for the handrail but does not include the handrail. Brackets would come off the sculptures metal plates which would then be attaché to the railing for its support.

Concerning a title I was thinking of a word that would reference the visual experience of the sculpture as well as relate to the educational experience. The aspect of dynamism, which is fundamental to both of these experiences, is contained in the title Transformation.

Another aspect that is omni present is that of the information age with the fluidity changing and altering perception. This interaction and dialogue is very much part of our contemporary psyche – fragmentation, realignment, and reordering. These references for me reside in the nature of the sculpture and hopefully would be the vehicle for pedestrian interaction.

If there is any other additional information that you need for your evaluation please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely Yours,

Albert Paley

Transformation is funded in part by the Class of 1956, Iowa State University; Iowa Art in State Buildings Project for Morrill Hall; University Museums and its membership, Iowa State University; Rebecca Klemm; Martha LeBuhn Allen; Ruth and Clayton Swenson and the National Endowment for the Arts.