Man grows together with his community through the use of the library
Name/Title
Man grows together with his community through the use of the libraryContext
This work was the main component a series of art created specifically for the old North Milwaukee/Villard Library by the architect of the library, Kenneth Lamers and his associate Peter Mazurek. See entry # 917 for background on the Villard/North Milwaukee art collection. The collection consisted of this main wall sculpture, two wall hangings, and four supplementary "wall plaques." From an artists' statement for the collection dated August 3, 1970: T]he central theme for the seven pieces of art in the library emerges from concepts which were developed for the main wall sculpture ... An outgrowth of early discussion between the artists and Mr. Nolan Neds, Administrator of Branch Libraries, was an eagerness to express some of the philosophy of Marshall MacLuhan's [sic: McLuhan's] 'The Medium is the Massage' [sic: Message]." It was decided that this sculpture be of materials found in the building itself; (walnut and copper were chosen from the palette) so that the art for the building would blend with the art of the building. The attempt would be to further refine it, and at the same time develop new concept themes for the observer to reflect against his own life experience." Thus, according to the artists, the art series explores three dimensions of McLuhan's philosophy: 1) Man's relationship to a global community (main sculpture); 2) Man's relationship to his immediate community and to himself (wall hangings); and 3) Individual discovery of randomly selected man-made and natural objects (wall plaques). "The wall sculpture ... conveys what happens to man and his social and environmental conditions as his ability to communicate in various media grows. Historically, man emerged from an extremely simple environment - no symbols, no complex spaces. As he developed the ability to express and receive ideas, especially via the printed word, he became increasingly capable of growth and expression. The copper forms, which echo the symbol of man's family that is cast into the exterior concrete wall, indicate regeneration and growth into a 'global village.' The electronic media of T.V., e.g. makes it possible for a person here to be aware at once about what is happening on the other side of the world. Because of his acquired knowledge, he more fully understands. It is hoped that this piece can be finally interpreted by the viewer each in his own frame of reference. Whether one sees only walnut and copper for their intrinsic natural beauty; or appreciates only line, form and shadow; or sees the allegory of the organic tree forms suggested in the community of man symbol with its regenerative implications; or does in fact understand, in these material terms, the thoughts of MacLuhan [sic: McLuhan], there shall be a measure of success in the attempt to communicate the ideas for which a library exists."Collection
Wisconsin Art Collection, Permanent Art CollectionAcquisition
Accession
1969.10Source or Donor
Kenneth Lamers, Peter MazurekAcquisition Method
PurchaseMade/Created
Artist Information
Kenneth Lamers
Peter Mazurek