The artist’s intent was that he wanted to create a piece that was series of steps and one that reflected a stadium or theater. His idea came from the steps that was in front of Parks Hall, or what he thought was the “front door” to Western. Nauman knew that the piece would be something that students would use to sit throughout the quarter for various reasons.

Bruce Nauman is known for his video installation, performance, sculptures and photography. He has been creating art since the 1960s. Some of his artworks revolve around minimalism and was influenced by Marcel Duchamp’s work. He is known for his many video installations and his ideas of making art pieces that allows the viewer to question what they are looking at and the intent of the piece.

The Stadium Piece was created between 1998 and 1999. During that time, Western did not have an official stadium for sports, but that did not stop Western students from playing them or just exercising on the field. Nauman knew that the open fields would be used for recreational activities, or to relax in between classes, so he began the process for the “Stadium Piece.” The current research suggest that “Stadium Piece” was created to represent that of a stadium and a theater. Nauman wanted this piece to be something where the viewer needs to make the decision of whether or not they should climb on it.

This piece may look like it is just an ordinary staircase, but it was made to be much more. From a certain angle, one can truly see that the structure looks like an actual stadium.

Group Members:

Abigail Morgan

Aileen Aguon