Wright’s Triangle, Richard Serra
The Sculpture
Wright’s Triangle is a minimalist sculpture residing south of Red Square, next to the art gallery. The sculpture was created by renowned contemporary/minimalist artist Richard Serra. Wright’s Triangle began assembly in 1976 and ended construction in 1980. The sculpture consists of four large metal slabs put together to create the shaped of a triangle, with the fourth located on the inside of the sculpture, parallel to one of the other slabs, though slightly smaller in size compared to the other three. Upon closer inspection one may also notice a straight line of bricks embedded in the ground entering through into each of the openings, meeting directly at the center with each other. At night, the sculpture is illuminated by several lights located in the ground. It allows the viewer to walk through and explore the sculpture so as to have them come to terms with ideas of confrontation, enclosure, the union of physical action, and intellectual thinking. At some point in their time at Western Washington University, most students have explored Wright’s Triangle. Unfortunately, this impressive work has proven the target for occasional vandalism.
A Bit of History
Wright’s Triangle was conceived Richard Serra and began assembly in 1976 and ended construction in 1980. The sculpture appears to have no affiliation with any sort of political issue of that time. Instead, it seems to be meant specifically for the confines of the campus and those who dwell within, almost as a means to inspire or even reassure the aspiring student.
The Artist
Richard Serra (Image from observer.com)
Richard Serra (November 2nd, 1938-Present) is an American contemporary and minimalist artist renowned for his minimalist sculptures, commonly consisting of large rectangular slabs, usually they are made out of steel. Some have claimed him to be “one of the most significant artists of his generation” due in part to his approach towards contemporary art and purpose behind his works. His artwork explores how art can relate intimately to a specific setting, that is, how it might take up a physical and visual relationship to a viewer and how the viewer may experience the qualities of his work.
Within Western Washington University, some may know Richard Serra for Wright’s Triangle. Outside of the confines of the university, however, one of the works he is renowned for is his sculpture “Tilted Arc,” formerly located in the Federal Plaza in Manhattan, New York. It was removed after complaints of it being and obstruction, and some even referred to it as an “eyesore.” Richard Serra fought a long and tedious legal battle which he eventually lost, resulting in the removal of the sculpture from the Federal Plaza in Manhattan, New York. Soon afterwards Serra was quoted with saying “I don’t think it is the function of art to be pleasing, art is not democratic. It is not for the people.” Unfortunately, this has been one of the many controversies Richard Serra has had to face. In 2002 another sculpture titled “Vectors” was meant to be created at the California Institute of Technology. The piece was met with fierce opposition by both the student body and professors, criticizing it and claiming it to be a “rehash of earlier works” and an “arrogant” piece that belied the institutes values. As a result, “Vectors” was never created. However, espite the opposition Richard Serra has met in the past, he still continues on with his unique work.
In Conclusion
Wright’s Triangle is one of the most frequently viewed sculptures on the Western Washington University Campus. Whether it be passing by on the way to class, or taking time to appreciate the unique style of Richard Serra’s work, hundreds, possibly thousands, of individuals have seen and explored this brilliant sculpture. Wright’s Triangle has proven itself to be a unique addition to the universities campus, and its identity. I personally encourage every one who has not done so already to take time to explore and appreciate this sculpture.
Credits
Hank Reavis: Photography
Benito Gonzales: Post Text
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