Mark di Suvero is responsible for this bright red construction that sits out front of the performing arts center at Western Washington University. The piece is entitled For Handel and was completed in 1975. The work originally had a swinging element that hung from the upper beam and was reminiscent of a metronome. Majoring in philosophy, Suvero was sympathetic to the notion of the logical construct and the assemblage based on various empirical observations. He was particularly interested in Einstein and his theories surrounding space and time. Suvero did not want to erase the evidence of production and labor like many of his minimalist contemporaries, so he chose to reveal welds and retain several imperfections. He did this because he believed in the power and energy of human creativity — what has been described as evidence of a personal and hopeful control over modern technology.
Another goal of Suvero’s was to break down the barriers between art and the viewer. He wanted art out of the museum, to go beyond the visual and engage the viewer in a direct way. The beams that point your gaze skyward were anchored by several large beams that sit directly on the ground in a plaza. These beams are regularly used as a bench or as a balance beam. Interestingly, when the piece had been fully assembled but prior to its final placement Suvero reportedly saw nine students riding on the hanging metronome element like a giant swing. Although, this was dramatic evidence he had achieved his intent, the ultimate and disappointing decision was made to remove the swinging element. Regardless, based on secret confessions, the 27’ tall construction is regularly scaled and mounted by capable, adventurous students. In perhaps several unexpected ways … mission accomplished.