Interactive sculpture exhibition in Michigan

Art Business News, Nov, 2004

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Unlike traditional exhibitions, "Mark di Suvero," on display through Jan. 2 at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, encourages visitors to interact with the artwork by touching, twisting, pivoting and even rearranging it like puzzle pieces. Di Suvero, an American sculptor, has created larger-than-life pieces for this show, in which two will be installed outdoors and exhibited in the Balk Specialty Garden.

"It is highly unusual that touching the art is not only allowed but encouraged by the artist" says Joseph Becherer, curator of sculpture for the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. "Doing so gives our guests another way to experience the sculpture."

Di Suvero is known throughout the town of Grand Rapids, MI. In the early 1970s, he oversaw the permanent installation of "Motu," a colossal sculpture of raw steel in the heart of the city's down town, and recently his piece, "Scarlatti," became a permanent installation at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Di Suvero is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the use of steel and has received the Lifetime Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award.

"This sculptor has placed more works in a public context--including two major pieces in Grand Rapids than any other sculptor of our time," says Becherer. "This exhibition was born of his relationship with this city and we, in turn, honor his contribution to the history of art."