Campus Sculpture Survey: The stories of UH’s unique art
You don’t have to visit the Blaffer Museum to see art at UH; every building is accompanied by a sculpture worth a double — or triple — take. You’ll notice some in your walks to and from your classes, while others will hide in plain sight, but each sculpture has its own story.
“The Statue of Four Lies” by The Art Guys (Michael Galbreth and Jack Massing) | Courtney Gigant/The Cougar
Established: 2010
Location: Lynn Eusan Park
UH alumni Michael Galbreth and Jack Massing, self-titled “The Art Guys,” created a traditional monument with four lies: small bronze representatives of everyday objects scattered at the feet of the two gesturing figures. What do the four lies mean, and why are they together? The mystery keeps viewers engaged and occasionally looking around for more clues.
“Your Move” by Lawrence Argent. | Courtney Gigant/The Cougar
Established: 2011
Location: Calhoun Lofts Courtyard
Before 3D printers were a thing, sculptor Lawrence Argent was using 3D modeling software to hand-carve these gourd-shaped figures in China out of granite and bronze. The smooth contours and flawless texturing play with the eyes and send them swirling and zigzagging around these figures.
“Houston Radio Radar Reflectors” by Nathan Carter. | Courtney Gigant/The Cougar
Established: 2013
Location: Cougar Place Entrance
Nathan Carter put the pieces of this sculpture together in St. Louis, and each of the five individual parts weigh in at 1,000 pounds. For such a threatening weight, the sculptures are light and airy with geometric bursts of color that add modern spirit to the Cougar Place entrance. Carter said the art’s purpose was “to use color, shape and line to communicate to people of all ages a playful sense of discovery.”
“Eternal Flame of Service” by Harold Roe Bartle. | Courtney Gigant/The Cougar
Established: 1971
Location: Outside the Student Service Center
The small statue created by Harold Roe Bartle and presented by Alpha Phi Omega carries a large message, and a natural gas flame within ceaselessly burns. Poking out of the green space between the Roy G. Cullen Building and the Student Service Center, the “Eternal Flame of Service” is a tiny reminder of the reason service is so important.
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