How does a fence become art? Step into the eucalyptus grove between the Faculty Club and Price Center at UC San Diego. There you’ll find Robert Irwin’s Two Running Violet V Forms. This isn’t your typical fence. It’s a mesmerizing sculpture. Two V-shaped structures stand tall. They are made of blue-violet plastic-coated chain-link fencing. Stainless steel poles support the structures. Each pole averages twenty-five feet in height. The fence follows the gentle slope of the hill maintaining a constant elevation. Beneath it purple ice plant blooms.
Irwin created Two Running Violet V Forms in 1983. It was his first significant installation in California. It’s part of the Stuart Collection. Irwin was drawn to the eucalyptus groves. He appreciated the contradiction between the man-made grid of trees and the natural variations of light and detail. The sculpture isn’t an obstacle. It’s a screen reflecting light. The industrial geometry gently intrudes upon the forest.
The sculpture’s appearance changes constantly. Sometimes it’s dramatic. Other times it almost disappears. The color varies throughout the day and the year. It changes with the light. The sculpture interacts with the natural setting. It works with the trees and the shadows. The ice plant below echoes the violet color of the fence. Monarch butterflies are sometimes seen fluttering nearby. The story is told that the color attracts them.
Students have created their own legends about Two Running Violet V Forms. Some believe the fence was built to prevent trees from falling during a stormy winter. Others claim it’s a giraffe catcher. Still others joke that it’s a giant’s volleyball net. These playful narratives add another layer to the artwork. They highlight its integration with the campus community.
Two Running Violet V Forms is more than just a sculpture. It’s a perceptual experience. It challenges viewers to notice the subtle changes in light and color. It invites them to see the beauty in the everyday. It’s a testament to Irwin’s vision. It blends art and nature seamlessly. It’s an ongoing dialogue between the man-made and the natural world. Take your time. Experience the ever-changing beauty of Two Running Violet V Forms.