Clarkies may have noticed several new sculptures that appeared on and around campus several weeks ago. These pieces are a part of “Art in the Heart of Main South,” a new art installation in the Main South neighborhood.
The installation was officially unveiled on October 14 as part of Clark’s Friends and Family Weekend. The event included live music from local Worcester band La Pura Vida Prio, food from local restaurants and tabling from various community activist groups.
The exhibit features seven sculptures: four on Clark’s campus and three at University Park. “Art in the Heart of Main South” is a collaboration between Clark University and Art in the Park, Worcester. It showcases works by artists Phil Marshall, Chris Plaisted, Reuben Sinha, Antoinette Schultze, Brendan Stecchini, Melanie Serkes and Joseph Chirchirillo, hailing from all across the east coast. This exhibit aims to bring beautiful and accessible public art to the Main South Community.
Art in the Park, Worcester is also responsible for several art pieces in Elm Park. As their website states, “public art has the power to energize our public spaces, arouse our thinking and transform the places where we live, work, study and play into welcoming spaces that invite pause and interaction.” This is certainly true of “Art in the Heart of Main South,” as these sculptures are displayed prominently and boldly. They invite Clark students and members of the Main South community to interact with the art directly and analyze it closely. The exhibition also includes a guided audio tour of each of the sculptures with a short recording by each artist to explain their work.
These sculptures are dynamic and fascinating from all angles. Many of them are representative of real-world issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the struggle for reproductive rights. One of the most compelling aspects of these pieces is how they are enhanced by the natural environment around them. Schultze’s “Summit” — located outside Clark’s Biophysics building — features a large piece of blue glass which, at the right time of day, reflects sunlight which illuminates the whole sculpture. “Reflective Wind” by Brendan Stecchini utilizes mirrors to reflect the audience and the earth it sits on. The focal point of this piece is a large circular mirror that turns in the wind — at times rather rapidly — casting back the image of the onlooker.
My favorite sculpture from “Art in the Heart of Main South” is “Chance Encounter” by Phil Marshall. According to the artist himself, the piece represents “the loss of individuality of people in the seething mass of humanity.” The sculpture is meant to invoke a bustling city street, with thin and curved strips of metal representing people. This image is enriched by the figures swaying in the wind, which adds motion to the piece and makes it feel lively and dynamic. While most of the figures are red, the two in the center are yellow. These are meant to portray two people who have met unexpectedly and find a spark of connection between each other. The figures bend and strain towards one another, representing the innate human desire for connection and love. This sculpture is charming and offers an optimistic take on our increased emotional isolation from each other.
All in all, “Art in the Heart of Main South” is a great addition to our campus and community. Public parts like this play an important role in bringing communities together and making the spaces we all share beautiful. These seven sculptures will remain on display throughout the year, and I highly encourage all Clarkies to take a moment to enjoy them.
