The Alchemist (2010) - Jaume Plensa
I think this is a piece that represents MIT as a school quite well. "The Alchemist" is a stainless steel sculpture in the shape of a sitting man, and the shape of the man is formed by connecting large metal numbers, letters, and mathematical symbols. As a university, MIT is known for engineering -- a field that requires both creativity and intelligence. Therefore, in my opinion, creating a piece of art with numbers, letters, and mathematical symbols is a great representation of MIT.
Bars of Color Within Squares (2007) - Sol LeWitt
Located in the Physics building, "Bars of Colors Within Squares" is an art piece that stretches over an entire floor of the building. This is a good use of space as this artwork is located on something that already exists in the building and will not be taking up extra space. In addition, it makes walking through the building so much more interesting and it's also quite the sight from a few floors up (Last picture credit to MIT List Visual Arts Center). Not only is it visually appealing, but it also is a great way to brighten up the building.
Birth of the Muses (1944) - Jacques Lipchitz
"Birth of the Muses" is located outside of MIT's Hayden Library. Although I am not super knowledgable in Greek mythology, I do know that the Muses are three goddesses. However, I'm not too sure how that relates to this piece as this sculpture looks like a Pegasus. If I were to guess, I'd say that this Pegasus was on its way to announce that the Muses have been born. I read through the artwork's summary and background, but it did not elaborate on this; I'd love to know how the title of this piece relates to the actual art though.
Air Forms: A Composition of Illuminated Assemblies (2015) - Carrie McKnelly
"Air Forms" is a newly installed piece located in a fairly secluded stairway. It's a piece that stretches up along two or three flights of stairs, lighting up what would be a dark, slightly terrifying staircase. Not only does "Air Forms" utilize space very well, but the materials that are used to create the piece are efficient, too. It makes use of light in both a practical and artistic way that is cool and unique, since most works are typically solely created for artistic purposes.
Ray and Maria Stata Center (2004) - Frank Gehry
When I arrived in Boston at the beginning of the school year, I stayed at a hotel next to MIT, and that was when I first saw the Ray and Maria Stata Center. It was one of the first public art pieces I had seen in the city, and I absolutely loved it since it stood out and was impossible to miss. Being able to get creative with architecture is one of my favorite aspects of art because you have the opportunity to create large, unique buildings that stand out compared to the normal, red brick buildings alongside it. Buildings like the Ray and Maria Stata Center attract attention, and it naturally makes you wonder what's inside of it.
Aesop's Fables, II (2005) - Mark Di Suvero
Located not too far from the Ray and Maria Stata Center, "Aesop's Fables, II" is a fairly modern piece. Installed in 2005, it brings some color and life into the Northeast Center Lawn while also breaking up the uniformity of the area. I think public art installed in areas like this is fantastic, as it efficiently makes use of space that isn't used. It only improves the area and makes it more interesting.
Untitled (1988) - John Newman
Although I prefer architecture and sculptures over paintings or drawings, "Untitled" is an exception. This work of art reminds me of a sketch, or even something a student would doodle during class. There are so many things going on in this piece, and many different shapes and colors as well. Perhaps this is why this piece of art is titled "Untitled" -- there's so much happening that you can't exactly categorize it and give it a name.
Kresge Auditorium (1954) - Eero Saarinen
The Kresge Auditorium is another example of interesting architecture. Like I mentioned earlier, I love creative architecture because it breaks up the uniformity between all the similar brick buildings. This piece of public art is one of the older ones on MIT's campus, yet it still manages to captivate the attention of many with its modern appearance.
Chord (2015) - Antony Gormley
Antony Gormley's "Chord" is another newly installed piece at MIT. The piece hangs from the ceiling and spans several floors and utilizes the empty space in the middle of the staircases quite well. It is located in MIT's Math and Chemistry Department Building, and it reminds me of the art installation in BU's very own Metcalf Science Center. I think "Chord" is a very fitting piece for the building it resides in; the steel rods and nodes form shapes similar to structures we would see in chemistry.
TV Man/Five-Piece Cube with Strange Hole (1993) - David Balakar
"TV Man," or "Five-Piece Cube with Strange Hole," is an art piece that leaves room for a lot of interpretation. It makes you wonder why the artwork is titled as it is, why it has two names, why holes were placed in those specific blocks, why those blocks were placed where they were, and much, much more. Perhaps David Bakalar didn't even create this piece with a message or intent in mind, so maybe this time, it's up to us to decide what this work means. I suppose that sometimes, that's exactly what the artist wants you to do: wonder and ask questions.
