UTC Painting I Blog: Adventure with Hunter Art Gallery

Adventure with Hunter Art Gallery

George Segal's "Couple on Two Park Benches" is non-objective and is nothing out of the ordinary. The artist took everyday events like a man and a woman getting together and talking and made an interesting piece of art out of it. The medium is bronze with white petina and metal benches. It took four years from the beginning to come into existence. Plans were started in 1985 and ended with casting in 1989. The Hunter Art Gallery purchased the piece with help from the Art Acquisition Foundation. George Segal has another similar piece entitled "Three People on Four Benches." It is similar and life sized in comparison to "Couple on Two Park Benches." Segal's works are said to be strong and subtle and his painting talents come through in other works. It is possible that this could work to his disadvantage in the eyes of the viewer. Other times it does not matter as much. He captured the norm in this particular piece and the public does not seem to have a problem with it. While there, people kept coming up to the artwork, getting photographs of it or with it. It is on an outside wing of the museum overlooking the Tennessee River. The artist is also known for painting and drawing.

"Couple on Two Park Benches" photographed by Marlene Bell

Deborah Butterfield's "Boreal" is a representational piece. It's kind of abstract and modern all in one piece. The piece is representative of a horse and appears wooden at first glance. It is said to never judge a book by its cover. Upon further examination we find this piece is made of bronze, with petina added, just as Segal's piece has. It was purposely made to look weather beaten. Just to the right of it the walking bridge is in view, which adds to the beauty of this piece. Again, this was purchased by the Hunter Art Gallery (no outside help known).

"Boreal" photographed by Marlene Bell

In comparison, both pieces have a laid back and relaxed feel and/or atmosphere about them. The horse is looking downward, as if it is grazing and the woman on the bench has her legs crossed with the man's arm proppe up, as if engaged in conversation. The park benches leave the thought that the two are at a park enjoying their day. Both pieces are part of everyday life. They are complementary to each other and are made of the same materials. People love talking and getting out of the house, as well as engaging in activity like riding horses. People and animals have always been together.

In my experience, I absolutely loved both pieces. The "Couple on Two Park Benches" was the favorite. The reason being, I like being around other people. Getting back to the topic, the overall experience was pleasant and the way the piece is set up no one has to be afraid to come up to it and touch it. People of all ages, young and old, can sit with the plastered couple and rest or have a picture made.

For the "Boreal" piece, the overall experience was one of pleasantry and curiosity. The horse peaked the curiosity because a horse like that (and that large) had never been seen before. I didn't pay close enough attention to detail while there, admittedly, because I didn't know until doing research for this that the horse was bronze and not wooden. The date for "Boreal" is 2001.

Please note that all of the pictures submitted were taken by me and proof of having been there is in the fact that my son and one of his buddies appear in the pictures. We went earlier in the season when the weather was a little colder (probably fall) as indictated by the bare branches on the trees next to the "Couple on Two Park Benches" and the fact coats are worn.