Campus offers many diverse works of art
October 31, 1995
About 235 significant works of art can be found at Iowa State, reflecting the diversity of thought and ideas on campus, said Lynette Pohlman, director of University Museums.
The art on campus is a composite of landscape architecture, ornament and aesthetic objects, Pohlman said.
The Campanile is an example of ornament, and the Fountain of the Four Seasons at the Memorial Union is an example of an aesthetic object.
Since legislation was passed in 1978 calling for one-half of 1 percent of the university’s building funds to be used for art, about 125 pieces of art have surfaced.
Funding is allocated toward the acquisition, education and conservation of the art on campus, Pohlman said.
“All figures of public art reflect the college mission … to enhance intellectual stimulation on campus,” she said.
Whether the students like the art is not the point, Pohlman said. What is important is the “layers of meaning to be explored to bring students, faculty and staff to understand the art.”
Pohlman said campus art is noticed and often becomes a college or department’s symbol.
For example, ISU is identified by the Campanile. “When you see the campanile, you know where you are at,” she said.
But art and design instructor Jon Sontag said, “a lot may be missed in traveling around the campus because people have a lot on their minds. In the four years students are here, they come to know the art better and are more aware of it when they become more knowledgeable.”
Accordingly, many new pieces of art are controversial and provocative.
“Each new piece of art has to find its space, image and being,” Pohlman said.