art for the city

Boston University Metcalf Science Center

Location: 590 Commonwealth Avenue

I spend nearly every day in the Metcalf Science Center and I have passed by these images many, many times. However, I had absolutely no idea this piece was created by BU students. I think it's a great piece: not only is it a great use of space, but it is also especially relevant to its viewers (STEM students and faculty). I think it's fantastic that students can contribute to their own campus through art. 

Furthermore, I love seeing a connection form between the sciences and arts -- two very different fields. As a science major myself, I am interested in the arts but have never had the chance to get involved. I hope that in the future, the sciences and arts can collaborate more often to continue to create amazing masterpieces like this.

The Science and Engineering Library, located on Cummington Mall, is a lesser known library at BU. Despite not being as large or as new as Mugar, The Science and Engineering Library is still an amazing place to study. Unfortunately, it is completely devoid of any art or decor which leaves the library dreary and lifeless, especially when the sun sets.

Fortunately, one section of the library has a large, plain pale blue wall -- the perfect location to put up some art! A mural, a small installment of science-related photographs (gallery style) or a collage would fit perfectly on the wall, adding some life and color into the currently lackluster study space. In addition, it would be incredible if the project could be created and carried out by a bunch of science/engineering students. If some art is added to this wall, it would only improve the Science and Engineering Library's environment, making it so much more conducive to staying alert and studying late into the night.

      

Example:

Guardian Lions (1977/2007)

Location: Chinatown Gate

     

The Guardian Lions (獅), otherwise known as the "Foo Dogs" in the West, are an important symbol in Chinese history and culture. Located at the Chinatown Gate (牌坊／牌樓), these marble lions are a bicentennial gift from Boston's sister city, Taipei. In addition, they represent the Chinese community that live and congregate in the area as well.

Guardian lions are interesting; they only come in pairs, and they are always placed together. With the female guarding a cub on the left and the male guarding a ball on the right, they are the manifestation of yin and yang. They are believed to ward off evil, negative energy and protect the community around them -- hence their names. 

Although I've never believed in superstitions, I still find these lions to be quite important. For one, they are a large part of my childhood so they hold quite a bit of sentimental value for me. I remember my parents taking me to Chinatown every couple of days, and as they shopped for groceries, I'd run around finding guardian lions all over the city. I didn't realize they were art then, nor did I appreciate them a single bit. I climbed all over them, tainting the clean marble with my small, dirty footprints. However, I do truly appreciate them now. Guardian lions are lovely pieces of art with lots of culture and history embedded within them, which is why I enjoy them as much as I do.

North End Library Mosaic (2009)

Location: North End Library, North End

North End Branch Library Mosaic during the nighttime

At the entrance of the Boston Public Library's North End Branch sits an unique, brightly colored mosaic. After visiting the library and seeing the mosaic for myself, I had done some research to find out more about it. 

Tom O'Connell, the artist who created this mosaic, added the various symbols found in the center of the piece (exclamation mark, comma, asterisk, dollar sign, etc.) to emphasize the importance of a library during this modern, technological age. I hadn't realized there was a meaning behind all the symbols when I first visited which is why I find this mosaic all the more intriguing. This realization makes me wonder how many times I've looked at a piece of art and completely missed the artist's intended message. 

In addition, I had expected this mosaic to look more like a "traditional" mosaic, created with tiny scraps of colorful glass tile pieced together to form a bigger picture. Instead, it is formed by large ceramic pieces and concrete slabs. Although it isn't what I expected, I enjoyed the mosaic nevertheless!

North End Branch Library Mosaic viewed in natural sunlight

Credits to Brad Friedman

Frogs of Tadpole Playground (2003)

Location: Boston Common, Back Bay

Located within Boston Common, the oldest public park in America, the Frogs of Tadpole Playground are definitely a family favorite (and mine as well). The bronze sculptures sit within the Tadpole Playground, in the Frog Pond, and around the surrounding area. Catered towards children, the frogs introduce the younger population to art without them ever realizing it. 

Amongst all the statues of important historical figures, these frogs stand out. They are relatively small statues located on the ground (no pedestals or fencing), meaning that children (and adults!) can easily interact with them. As they are the single anomalous piece of art in the Commons/Boston Public Garden area, I found the frogs to be my favorite piece within the park.

     

Harbor Fog & Light Blades (2008)

Location: Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, Downtown