Public Art in Iowa

The State of Iowa has a rich art culture that includes many wonderful works of public art. These artworks may be commissioned by the state, by private organizations, or even by generous individuals, and can be found at airports, in hospitals, schools and universities, and even alongside highways! The Daily Palette is happy to feature these works created for the enrichment of our communities and the delight of our visitors.

SUSAN CHRYSLER-WHITE
Giardini, Acrylic on Plexiglass, stell rods, 240" x 200" x 180", 2007

The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics are home to many works of art, a number of which were funded by the Art in State Buildings program. Giardini was created by Susan Chrysler-White specifically for its location on the lower level of the Pomerantz Family Pavilion. The multi-faceted, three-dimensional installation is designed to be seen from many angles, each presenting visitors a unique visual experience. It is part of UIHC's Project Art collection which, according to their website, "oversees the care of more than 5,800 objects, including more than 2,200 framed posters and 3,900 works of original art. . . .  The artwork selected seeks to soothe, stimulate, and educate the hospital audience." Be sure to visit their website to learn more about this wonderful program!

Susan Chrysler-White is a Professor of Painting and Drawing at the University of Iowa. She earned a BA from University of California, Berkley, an MFA from the University of California, and was the recipient of a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. She works in a range of media, and her art has been featured in 30 solo exhibits and more than 100 group shows! In addition, she has created two stunning large-scale installations for the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (including Giardini), and one for the West Campus Transportation Center, all of which are included under the umbrella of the Art in State Buildings program. Please visit Prof. Chrysler-White's website to enjoy more of her many projects!

In the artist's own words

There is a basic human tendency to seek order in the current of experience in which we are constantly swimming. There is a variety of languages (scientific, artistic, and spiritual, as well as ordinary discursive) by which we attempt to organize our worlds, and they frequently borrow from one another—thus the richness of metaphor.
     Interlocking systems in my compositions allow structures to form and build larger aggregate systems. Densely layered material speaks, hopefully, metaphorically to the layering of meaning. The traces seen through the transparency of the material allude to the passage of time, fracturing and rebuilding of connections . . .

UIHC Project Art

Susan Chrysler-White online