Beverly Pepper’s original intent behind the “Normanno Column” was to create sculptures made from cast iron. She created a series of these sculptures between the 1970’s to the 1990’s. The plaque next to the sculpture at Western Washington University states that, “Pepper was interested in making large columnar or totem-like markers – more often resembling parts of tools – which together created a procession through a square.  She is interested in combining the image of tools with the idea of a civic monument and allowing these monuments to be seen in a sight line.” Beverly Pepper intended to create a Post-Modernism and minimalistic style of a column.

Beverly Pepper is a sculpture artist from Brooklyn, New York. She is known for her outdoor sculptures and site- specific sculptures using industrial materials and tools. She is often inspired by organic forms. Pepper began as a painter but began as a sculpture artist after traveling. She began using trees and segwayed into metal. Her sculptures have always been displayed outdoors.

Made in the 1980’s, the Normanno Column is a clear representation of the Postmodernist period it was created in. During this time art was evolving itself into the “Avant Garde”, modern period that we see today with pieces that challenge arts very meaning and bring new perspective to the artistic audience. The Normanno Column is a aesthetic piece in the sense that it draws the viewer’s attention to its natural earth feel and brings them to appreciate the surrounding environment.

This piece was created between 1979-1980. During this time period, the world faced record high oil prices. Sid Vicious, from the band, Sex Pistols, died of a heroin-overdose in 1979. This was a drastic event during the punk-rock phase in music. Margaret Thatcher was elected Prime Minister, which was the first time the United Kingdom had elected a female Prime Minister. The “Walkman” was also invented this year by Sony, which was a major shift in the music and technology scene. The price was $200, which also shows the elevated need for technological advancements. In Iran, sixty-three Americans were taken hostage in the American Embassy. This was also during the Iranian Revolution that occurred between 1978-1979. The goal was to overthrow Pahlavi dynasty. The focus of their campaign as an act of “civil resistance”. This resulted in the 1979 Energy Crisis. The oil that was produced in Iran almost stopped completely, which caused “economic recessions” throughout the world.

A Sense of Perpectives

We looked at this piece individually to view it from unique perspectives. Our photographs reflect how the column inspired our creativity in finding its meaning while connecting our ideas to Pepper’s past and possible original intent for the sculpture.

Blending into the Timber:

From this perspective the parallels to the surrounding trees are uncanny. The column mimics a trunk as it stands tall, from a distance it almost resembles a bare truck. In this mindset the hole in the middle suddenly looks as if a hummingbird had pecked through or a squirrel could come out of it. Metal is impersonating nature.

Fade Into the Night Sky:

My perspective of the Normanno Column were during the night. The dark setting allowed for the coloring of the sculpture to blend into the expansive nature surrounding it. The flash I used to depict my perspective with my camera allowed for the harsh texture to contrast with the softness of the night sky. The perspective that comes from the hole in the center of the column adds to the blending of nature and art through the subtle structure of the sculpture.

Rising From The Earth:

My perspective of the Normanno Column deals entirely with its connection to the surrounding environment. Looking as if it rose from the earth it was placed upon, the structure does a beautiful job of blending perfectly into its environment and becoming one with its atmosphere. I believe this is all mainly due to its construction of rusted metal, as the coloring and texture gives it the rustic feeling it needs to become one with its surroundings.

Created by Josie Szankiewicz, Katrina Mai, Anthony Miller

Bibliography

The Year 1979 From The People History
The People History — Steve Pearson – http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/1979.html

1979 Trivia, History and Fun Facts
http://pop-culture.us/Annual/1979.html

Iranian Revolution
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian_Revolution

Beverly Pepper
http://www.beverlypepper.net/

“Beverly Pepper.” Artspace, www.artspace.com/beverly_pepper.

Salter, Kate. “The brilliant artist you’ve never heard of: interview with sculptor Beverly Pepper.” The Telegraph, Telegraph Media Group, 29 June 2014, www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/10925186/The-brilliant-artist-youve-never-heard-of-interview-with-sculptor-Beverly-Pepper.html.