New sculptures announced for revolving public art exhibition

The Morganton Cultural Arts Commission recently announced the next rotation of sculptures in the “Sculpture on the Town” revolving public art exhibition. 

The following sculptures will replace the current three sculptures:

“Neutron Star” – Created by Hanna Jubran from Grimesland, NC. The development of this project evolved from Jubran’s interest in astronomy and the cosmos. Exploration into the cosmos implies a universe with a variety of star clusters and galaxies. This is an expression intended to give a sense of a moment in time and space in nature that questions: What is the origin of the Neutron star? Neutron stars are formed when large stars run out of fuel and collapse. To get a neutron star, you need to have a star that’s larger than about 1.5 solar masses and less than 5 times the mass of the Sun. They derive from, natural formations and natural combinations of geometric and organic forms and shapes. The sculptures are based on Jubran’s own creative imagination. Jubran would like the viewer to gaze, interact and experience the sculpture.

“Basics #64” – Created by Mathias Neumann from Brooklyn, New York. Over the past 9 years Neumann has been engaged with a series of public interventions under the title “Basics” exploring an abstracted notion of form and space in public sculpture. Initially conceived as part of a larger museum installation for the National Museum for Contemporary Art in Bucharest, Romania, the series has since had over 60 iterations in public spaces throughout the United States and Europe. While each object within this series is unique and specific to its site, the work wants to be understood as an ongoing body of work that explores the sculptural potential of the respective sites as a dialogue with the specificity of the spatial conditions, realized through a common material and formal logic. The proposed work “Basics #64” will be in continuation of this work series and constructed out of 2x4 dimensional lumber in a tried and tested method within a two day installation on site.

“Folie a Deux, a sHared Madness” - Created by Josh and Angelica Coté from Bakersville, NC. The sculpture is entitled Folie a Deux , a sHared Madness. It is a kinetic sculpture depicting two rabbits gracefully dancing atop a contraption constructed of moving parts which can rotate when the handle is turned. Drawing inspiration from automatons and music boxes, this piece and its two subjects marry the past and more technologically advanced present. It intends to represent the way Morganton sits poised between the two; diversifying its industries while working to respect its past. It also is a lighthearted and uplifting way to show how we must work together to achieve our dreams, no matter what the outside world may think of them. The rabbits are made from steel hay-baling wire, and the contraption and platform on which they stand consist of various antique pieces of found metal. The sculpture will stand at 11 feet tall, 5 feet wide, and 4 feet deep, with an estimated weight of 800 pounds. The platform is secured above a welded contraption made of various antique metal parts.

Sharon Jablonski, Cultural and Creative Arts Director said, “I am thrilled to see this program start its second year sharing the innovative creations of these new artists. I think it adds so much to the town and I am very excited.”

Sally Sandy, City Manager said, “Seeing art being added to the downtown district is something that I think will continue to grow and flourish. It is a great way to showcase beautiful, thought-provoking work from across the nation.”

To learn more about the Morganton Cultural Arts Commission visit our website https://morganton.art or follow us on Instagram @MorgantonCAC.