Wright’s Triangle:

Western’s Walkway Walls

By: Garret Rink and Eric Breed

The Sculpture

Wright’s Triangle was created by Richard Serra and is located in front of the Ross Engineering Technology at WWU. The sculpture was created around 1978 and was originally located at the intersection of three paths. It is comprised of four tall slanted metal walls that form a triangle with a fourth wall on the inside. This gave people the choice to walk through the sculpture on their way to wherever they were going. Richard did this on purpose to confront people with choices and make them think about where they were going. Whether we are physically or metaphorically going somewhere, there are always choices that we need to consider. Now the three paths don’t exist anymore but the sculpture is still sitting in the same place.

http://observer.com/2014/01/charlie-rose-vs-richard-serra-a-play-by-play/

The Artist

Richard Serra graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1961 and in 1964 he graduated from Yale University with a BFA and MFA. Serra is known for his contemporary and minimalist art style, which causes the viewer to interpret his sculptures in our own way. Most of his art is site-specific which means he creates his sculptures specifically for the location they will be placed and this can add to the presentation of the sculpture. Serra tends to use large metal shapes in his sculptures that deal with the concept of open space.

The Era

The late 70’s and early 80’s were hallmarked by the social and counter culture events which were happening across the United States. Protests against the Vietnam War was in full swing and controversial conflicts such as second wave feminism, LGBT rights, and drug culture was becoming a prominent focus for the public. All of these conflicting social interests and the tension inside the U.S. likely influenced Serra’s message of isolation and confrontation with Wright’s Triangle.