University of Pennsylvania
10/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/08/2024 12:48
Art Matters: ‘Two Lines’ by George Rickey
Sitting at the top of Morris Arboretum & Gardens, "Two Lines" is a kinetic sculpture, moving according to the law of gravity and the vagaries of the wind.
George Rickey (1907-2002)
"Two Lines" 1988
Stainless steel sculpture
Given by Richard J. and Nancy Peters Ryan in 1993
Location: Morris Arboretum & Gardens
Sitting at the top of Morris Arboretum & Gardens, "Two Lines" is situated in an open area, welcoming visitors to the space. It is tall, silver-colored, and narrow, a kinetic sculpture moving according to the law of gravity and the vagaries of the wind.
The piece sits where the Morris Mansion used to be, on a hillside overlooking the rose garden, says Bryan Thompson-Nowak, director of education. The Mansion was demolished in 1968, but the site is historic and significant to the place, he says.
The piece was acquired in 1993. The artist, George Rickey, was fascinated by engineering and mechanics, designing kinetic sculptures that were featured in collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, and Guggenheim.
"It's a dynamic sculpture; people are drawn to it," Thompson-Nowak says. "It's been there for 30 years, but it feels timeless."
Looking into the sun, an overhead view of "Two Lines."