Mark Di Suvero Analysis

Compare and contrast the two works using two of the visual elements of design. Make sure the two elements you choose are descriptive and visual in your writing.

A comparison of the installation/sculpture of Donald Lipski and the monumental-scale steel sculpture of Mark di Suvero reveals that both artists utilized the visual elements of color and a variance of space. Lipski used colorful, everyday objects and materials that are found at a construction site or furniture in an office and installed them, in a grouping of varying circles as a sculpture on a 60’ atrium wall of the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Building. Artist di Suvero chose the vibrancy of the color red for his 30’ steel sculpture that sits between the Denver Art Museum and
Content + Context + Form = Meaning Referencing the tools used to build the city of Denver, Donald Lipski created the sculpture/installation which spans the 60’ atrium wall of the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Building. The consideration for materials used in this piece are symbolic of the importance of the role each object played in building the city. From coolers to keyboards, Lipski’s colorful sculpture provides the viewer with the perception of inclusion, which befits the very purpose of the municipal building to which the work is housed. Mark di Suvero’s sculpture “Lao Tzu” was made in Long Island and purchased by the Denver Art Museum in 1995. It was brought to Denver in pieces and assembled on site by di Suvero. The red painted steel i-beam sculpture stands 30’ tall and weighs over 16 tons. While di Suvero does not apply any special meaning to his sculptures, the title Lao Tzu is likely attributed to di Suvero’s reverence to the Chinese monk credited with founding Taoism. Taoism is the belief that bases the human experience on nature, vitality and
Not to mention, shamed me in my ignorance of its existence. While, I have always had an appreciation for art, I am guilty of simply driving by or walking past public art without truly stopping or reflecting on why the same was placed there. Since arriving in Denver, I have had occasion to be at the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Building, several times in fact. Because I was so pre-occupied with why I was there, I did not notice that there were several installations of public art in and around the building. Most of these pieces have symbolism and meaning closely related to the development, sustainment and diversity of Denver. From the entry, to the top floor, there is public art that has been erected or installed. Each piece worthy of reflection and appreciation. Because this occasion I went to view the Lipski piece on the atrium wall as part of this assignment, I also took time to appreciate the 22’ plumb-bob designed by Lance Kirkland which is suspended from the ceiling of the building and the beautiful 14’ granite sculpture just outside the building. After leaving Denver, I asked myself, “how did I miss a 22’ or 14’ piece of art?” I am of the realization that there is no clear answer to that question. However, I will endeavor to be more aware and appreciative of my surroundings. That such pieces are not randomly placed there and that perhaps what I perceived at first as a beautiful