Label TextThese childlike and somewhat awkward faces are from a series of twelve sculptures titled MOONRISE. Each sculpture depicts an exaggerated expression and is named after a month of the year. East. january has a mischievous appearance with its toothy grin, squinty eyes, and pointy nose; East. august has a sympathetic look conveyed through the head's tilt, hum-drum mouth, wide-open eyes, and button nose. A texture resembling finger marks in clay covers each, adding to their youthful charm. Throughout human history, the moon has served to denote and measure the passage of time or to indicate the rhythms of life, such as when to plant crops and when to harvest. The moon has also served as a goddess in many cultures, such as in ancient Greek, Chinese, and Mayan mythology. In addition, these two works show multiple references to totemic sculptures, such as Easter Island’s moai or classical Roman honorary statues. These historical citations address the many magical properties once attributed to the moon. Although these have waned in modern life, they still bewitch us.
Published References"John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park", Lea Rosson DeLong, ed., Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines, Iowa, 1923, pp. 114-117
Published References"John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park", Lea Rosson DeLong, ed., Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines, Iowa, 1923, pp. 114-117
DimensionsOverall: 94 3/4 × 47 1/2 × 48 1/4 in., 1100 lb. (240.7 × 120.7 × 122.6 cm, 499 kg.)
Accession Number 2015.19
Classificationssculpture
SignedU R 2005 (bottom edge, back proper right)
InscriptionsMOONRISE E january (bottom edge, back)
Edition1/3, + 1AP
Provenance(Matthew Marks Gallery); John and Mary Pappajohn [purchased from previous, 2007]; Des Moines Art Center [gift from previous, 2015]
Images (1)
Audio (2)
