Student to student: Outdoor sculptures to admire this summer

UW–Madison’s campus is flooded with art from students, alumni, community members and more. Sometimes we pass campus art without even comprehending what it means or who it’s from. But if you take a closer look you’ll learn and understand campus even better while also gaining a new appreciation for it.

Here’s a (non-exhaustive) list we’ve compiled to get your Campus Art Scavenger Hunt started. Summer’s the perfect time to visit them and take a look.

The familiar piece outside Engineering Hall: “Máquina”

Those two circular pieces that also shoot water? The first statue you probably see coming in off campus drive? That’s “Máquina” (Spanish for machine), the circular statue outside Engineering Hall, by William Conrad Severson (a UW alumnus). It arrived in 1994. ‘Máquina’ represents the engineer’s tools, their aesthetics, and the engineer’s role in creative problem solving,” Severson said of the sculpture.

Campus’ newest addition: “Both/And – Tolerance/Innovation”

One of the campus’ newest pieces can be found on Library Mall: “Both/And – Tolerance/Innovation.” The statue by artists David Dahlquist (a UW–Madison alumnus) and Matt Neibuhr of Des Moines, Iowa, intends to show the ideas of diversity and coming together at UW–Madison. The sculpture has a yellow cylinder that will allow light to stream through, illuminating a path on both the vernal and autumnal equinoxes.

“Well Red”

The statue of Bucky in the new Alumni Park outside Memorial Union was a collaboration between sculptor Douwe Blumberg and glass artist Dan Neil Barnes. The statue intends to represent the Badger spirit, showing UW’s mascot at life-and-a-half size. Artist Blumberg said the size and look of him really transforms Bucky from being “a suit” to coming to life. The Bucky statue is supported by a sculpted pile of books that relate back to its title, “Well Red.”

Bid farewell to “Nail’s Tales”

Take one last look at “Nail’s Tales” before it’s moved from its spot at the intersection of Breese Terrace and Regent Street. The statue was erected by Donald Lipski and stood outside the stadium since 2005. Lipski titled the piece after his four-year roommate Eric “Nails” Nathan, who continuously gives him updates on UW’s football team. The 25-foot-high piece was constructed to put a symbol of power outside of the stadium, according to Lipski. 

A potentially missed piece to enjoy: Wave

Standing outside Chamberlin Hall since 2005, “Wave” by artist Peter Flanary creates the illusion of  motion. Flanary’s art looks like it is growing right out of the surrounding landscape. Flanary has taught art in Wisconsin and lectures for UW–Madison’s art department. Make sure to check out the blooms in the botanical gardens nearby!

The skull we all know and enjoy: Ancient Fishing

Ever wondered about the skull outside UW’s Chazen museum? Its name is “Ancient Fishing,” and it was created by world-renowned artist Jim Dine. It’s part of a collection of skull-themed art at the Chazen. The casting for the skull in Ancient Fishing was also repurposed for the artist’s statue The Plow, which can be found in the Chazen as well. Though it may appear ominous, Ancient Fishing stands as a popular campus conversation and an interesting introduction to those who venture into The Chazen Museum.