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Robert Calvo
Alexandria, 1996

LOCATION:
University of South Florida, St. Petersburg

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
In keeping with knowledge that libraries were for ages housed and safeguarded in the temples and sanctuaries of their respective cultures, each of these three hanging sculptures outwardly resembles a typical, classical form relating to those types of structures (temple, basilica, mosque, pantheon, monastery, cloister, etc.). The actual construction is, however, more vernacular in nature. This is accomplished with the use of found wooden beams and siding, with and without paint of various colors. The emphasis is thus shifted somewhat, away from classical origins to more indigenous ones. These sculptures are open in structure, revealing their construction and dimension, and giving them a lighter, less ponderous appearance than their monumentality might suggest.

 

Detail of Alexandria.

Detail of Alexandria.

Detail of Alexandria.

Detail of Alexandria.

Alexandria made possible by Florida's Art in State Buildings Program