Modern Head sculpture dedicated, new Lichtenstein chairs installed
Earlier this month, Ohio State President Michael V. Drake led a celebratory dedication of the Modern Head sculpture following a formal installation of the two recently named Roy Lichtenstein endowed chairs: Carmen Winant, Roy Lichtenstein Endowed Chair of Studio Art, and Jody Patterson, Roy Lichtenstein Foundation Endowed Chair of Art History.
In 2017, the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation announced a $6 million gift to the university to permanantly endow the named chairs. Modern Head, a brushed stainless steel, 31-foot-high sculpture designed by the late artist and Ohio State alumnus Roy Lichtenstein — is a continuation of that gift. Winant was selected as the inaugural Roy Lichtenstein Chair of Studio Art in July 2018, and Patterson was named the first Roy Lichtenstein Foundation Endowed Chair of Art History in August.
Carmen Winant and Jody Patterson were formally welcomed as the Roy Lichtenstein Endowed Chair of Studio Art and the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation Endowed Chair of Art History, respectively, during a ceremony on Sept. 11. From left: Winant, Patterson, Arts and Sciences Executive Dean and Vice Provost Gretchen Ritter and Ohio State President Michael V. Drake.
Since May, Modern Head has towered over the public walkways of the North Academic Corridor in between Smith and McPherson Laboratories. Fabrication for the sculpture was funded by the Ohio Percent for Art Program.
“Public art has the profound ability to spark the imagination and to encourage people to pay attention, considering more carefully the environment they occupy,” President Drake said at the dedication of the sculpture, which also included remarks from Ohio Arts Council Director Donna Collins and Executive Director of the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation Jack Cowart.
Drake noted that Modern Head may have its roots in art history, but it points to the university’s future, with the sculpture facing the direction of Ohio State's emerging art district.
“We hope it’s set to engage students and visitors for many years to come,” Cowart said. “By this, we not only honor Roy, but also the best ambitions of The Ohio State University.”
Dozens of students, faculty and staff lined the area between Smith and McPherson laboratories to learn more about the sculpture and the artist.
From left: Roy Lichtenstein Endowed Chair of Studio Art Carmen Winant, Roy Lichtenstein Foundation Endowed Chair of Art History Jody Patterson.
All images of Modern Head: H.C. © Estate of Roy Lichtenstein, 2018, all rights reserved
