Artwork Details
- Title
- Iroquois
- Artist
- Mark di Suvero (b. 1933)
- Year
- 1983-1999; installed 2007
- Medium
- Red painted steel (automotive grade)
- Dimensions
- Height 40', width 31'8", length 42'; weight 35,000 pounds
Artwork Description
An innovator in the use of industrial materials, Mark di Suvero describes his monumental sculptures as “paintings in three dimensions with the crane as my paintbrush.”
His 40-foot-high painted steel Iroquois has a robust energy and physical presence, which appeals to a wide audience.
The abstract sculpture is formed from painted steel I-beams, which are emblematic of the artist’s use of industrial materials. A Chinese influence can be noted in the central knot shape and brilliant red color of the sculpture. Iroquois also has a characteristic kinetic element at its top. The open shapes invite public interaction and viewing from multiple angles. The artist has named seven sculptures for Native American Indian tribes: Mohican, Sioux, Shoshone, Miwok, Navajo, Catawba, and Iroquois.
Iroquois was acquired by Association for Public Art (then known as Fairmount Park Art Association) in 2007 with the support of art patron and humanitarian David N. Pincus, on the occasion of his eightieth birthday.
In spring 2022, the Association for Public Art temporarily removed Iroquois for a major conservation restoration. The sculpture was carefully disassembled, stripped, cleaned and repainted, and returned to the Parkway in September 2022 as part of the Association’s 150th anniversary celebration.
Artwork Credits
Owned by the Association for Public Art (formerly the Fairmount Park Art Association)
Acquired and installed by the Association for Public Art with support from the late David Pincus
Artwork Media
Museum Without Walls
Voices:
MARK DI SUVERO is internationally recognized as a key figure in the development of postwar American sculpture.
LOWELL MCKEGNEY (1948-2011) was sculptor Mark di Suvero’s installation supervisor and longtime friend.
Producer: Lu Olkowski