May 27, 1997
CONTACT: Rosemary Gladden, 594-5204
Gateway design selected for SDSU's first public art project
As part of its ongoing 100th birthday celebration, San Diego State University has selected the design of nationally-recognized sculptor Eve Andrée Laramée for the campus' first work of public art.
Entitled "100 Years, 100 Stones," the 12-foot sculpture will be unveiled this fall as part of the Centennial Homecoming celebration.
"The commemorative art piece represents a gateway to our future while remembering the events of the past," said SDSU President Stephen L. Weber. "We hope this Centennial work of art will be the beginning of an impressive display of public art on our campus."
The circular, Aztec-influenced design prominently uses SDSU's red and black colors. It is to be located on the grassy Campanile Walkway with a four-direction orientation. It features two curved black gateways, accented by red stone, which will face east and west.
Inside the gateways, four curved benches are to be constructed in a black and red tile mosaic. Central to the artwork is a three-color terrazzo floor with circular brass strips laid in to define a large fossilized ammonite (sea creature).
The artist will select 100 stones collected from 100 sites within a 100-mile radius of SDSU, which will be used within the 100-foot circumference of the design. Each stone will be identified as to its specific site of origin and its importance to SDSU history.
"My intent was to create the visual perception of circles radiating outward into the community from my sculpture with SDSU as the central point," the artist said. "I wanted this piece to dramatically symbolize the meaning of SDSU within the San Diego community and beyond."
Nikki Clay, Centennial Steering Committee co-chair, said "With its prominent location on the Campanile Walkway [between the University's open air theater and the music building], the sculpture will enhance the main entrance to the campus facing the community. This should be a very compelling focal point for visitors."
Thirty artists, all SDSU alumni, were invited to participate in this Centennial public art project. After months of consideration, the Centennial Art Task Force narrowed the choice down to three proposed art pieces submitted by three well-recognized SDSU graduates whose works grace other public spaces, exhibition halls, campuses and museums throughout the world.
In addition to Laramée, the semi-finalists were Rod Baer and Andrea Zittel, each celebrated for their work throughout the United States and Europe.
Laramée's work has been seen in solo shows and group exhibitions at museums and galleries as far away as Moscow. The recipient of honors and grants from prestigious foundations, museums and universities, she has participated in performance and collaborative art projects and has taught at a number of fine universities as a visiting professor or artist-in-residence.
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