Sculpture dedicated at WNMU

Category: Front Page News Front Page News
Published: 23 October 2016 23 October 2016

WNMU President Joseph Shepard explains some of the symbolism of the sculpture at the School of Nursing.By Mary Alice Murphy

Western New Mexico University President Joseph Shepard said he is trying to turn the institution into a cultural facility. "Putting up sculptures like this one by Rose B. Simpson encourages the amplification of culture. The arts represent it best."

He said one might say: "Huh?" on the first viewing, but then when that person learns more about it, they get excited, and hopefully they talk with others about it.

Shepard said the piece, called "Alter 1," comes from a spiritual place.

Simpson said the piece originated from a conversation about what a "sacred place" is. Simpson wrote in her artist statement: "I realized that the most sacred of spaces, for me, is that moment when we consciously connect with one another and are forever influenced by their energy, just as they are transformed by ours."

The original installation consisted of two large figures facing one another. Simpson wrote: "The viewer stumbled upon the moment of the two creating an 'altar' of connection, wherein they are both altered by the presence, power and influence of the other."

The two pieces are now one to represent every one taking a moment to allow a transformation by a moment with another person.

A copy of the artist statement is available for any visitor or student at the School of Nursing. Read it to find out what all the symbols represent.

 

Shepard said he gets his best inspiration while hiking in the Gila Wilderness, his spiritual place.

"We hope to go beyond this first piece," Shepard said. "We have another piece by SimpsonG

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