Amasa and I wandered past this spare, abstract sculpture the other day. It sits in front of what I think is a bank, on Hennepin, near the river. I d
on't know what its intended to represent, or who made it. At any rate, it is apparently highly prized by the bank authorities. Amasa and I were ordered away from the sculpture by security guards. They may have been at least a little justified in doing so - the picture here reveals Amasa attempting to kick it to pieces. The guards also informed me that I can't take photos of the sculpture. So, here are some images, in direct disregard of the sculpture-viewing rules. I must confess that I find the photo ban puzzling. What harm is it intended to prevent? It seems to put the artwork in a weird limbo. Does the transfer of the artwork onto a secondary medium change its status? And if so, shouldn't we be allowed to touch it (as long as its not kicked to pieces)? For a four year old, this is the most primal and intense way to enjoy something - climbing all over it. But if we can't enjoy it as an "image" or as a jungle gym, just how should we enjoy it? 
As a holy relic? I was reminded of those religious rules against depicting the sublime. Does the artist want it so protected? Perhaps. But if so, that's too bad. Amasa probably had more fun with this thing than anyone has for years, at least until the guards chased us off.
on't know what its intended to represent, or who made it. At any rate, it is apparently highly prized by the bank authorities. Amasa and I were ordered away from the sculpture by security guards. They may have been at least a little justified in doing so - the picture here reveals Amasa attempting to kick it to pieces. The guards also informed me that I can't take photos of the sculpture. So, here are some images, in direct disregard of the sculpture-viewing rules. I must confess that I find the photo ban puzzling. What harm is it intended to prevent? It seems to put the artwork in a weird limbo. Does the transfer of the artwork onto a secondary medium change its status? And if so, shouldn't we be allowed to touch it (as long as its not kicked to pieces)? For a four year old, this is the most primal and intense way to enjoy something - climbing all over it. But if we can't enjoy it as an "image" or as a jungle gym, just how should we enjoy it? 
As a holy relic? I was reminded of those religious rules against depicting the sublime. Does the artist want it so protected? Perhaps. But if so, that's too bad. Amasa probably had more fun with this thing than anyone has for years, at least until the guards chased us off.
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