|
| Jorge Luis Rodriguez |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
|
|
Growth
|
|
|
Completion Date:
|
1985
|
|
|
|
Medium:
|
Painted Steel Sculpture
|
|
|
|
Dimensions:
|
14' x 11' x 9'
|
|
|
|
Location:
|
East Harlem Artpark
|
|
|
|
Address:
|
Sylvan Place and East 120th Street, Manhattan
|
|
|
|
Architect:
|
Housing Preservation and Development Open Spaces Program
|
|
|
|
Sponsor Agency:
|
Department of Parks and Recreation
|
|
|
|
Design Agency:
|
Department of Parks and Recreation
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dedicated in 1985,
Jorge Rodriguez's Growth was the first project completed by the Percent
for Art Program. Growth
rises directly from the cobblestones of the East Harlem Artpark, a park created by combining Sylvan Place and a formerly dilapidated park between the landmark Harlem Courthouse and The Casabe Houses, a housing project for senior citizens. As stated in Hispanic Arts News, "It is intended to portray a metamorphosis taking place. The inter-relationship of the sculpture is part of the surroundings in the park and is intended to echo the metaphor of life." The sculpture's flowing shapes, at once reminiscent of plants, birds, and insects, reinforce the theme of renewal inherent in this park.
About the Artist...
Jorge Luis Rodriguez, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was
educated at the School of Visual Arts and New York University. An active art
educator in New York City, he teaches at the School of Visual Arts, Manhattan
Community College, and Kingsborough Community College. He has also worked with
The Studio Museum in Harlem, Just Above Midtown Gallery, the Association for
Hispanic Arts, and El Museo del Barrio to develop art programs for all ages.
Growth
was his first large-scale, permanent work.
Artist Quote...
I have tried to capture the interaction between trees, birds, insects, flowers, and man. My sculpture may portray a seed sprouting from the ground, an insect transforming into a flower, or a bird changing into a tree. I hope to create an art piece that will serve as a source of enjoyment and inspiration to the community.
-- Rodriguez, 1985
