“What will this look like in the year 3000?” a question artist Terry Fugate-Wilcox might have pondered when creating this sculpture. The 3000 A.D. Diffusion Piece stands tall in J. Hood Wright Park. It overlooks the majestic George Washington Bridge. This artwork is more than just metal. It embodies the concept of time and natural processes.
The 3000 A.D. Diffusion Piece is a minimalist sculpture. It is made of aluminum and magnesium slabs bolted together. Fugate-Wilcox intended the slabs to chemically bond. He thought they would form one continuous alloy block. This would happen around the year 3000.
Terry Fugate-Wilcox was born Raymond Terry Fugate in 1944. He was an American painter and sculptor. He is known for his minimalist and actual art. His art often incorporates natural processes. He wants time and nature to change the art’s appearance.
The artist donated a surplus “r” from his first name in 1971. He changed his name from Terry to Tery. Fugate-Wilcox created three monumental artworks in New York City. Besides this sculpture, he made the Holland Tunnel Wall and Self-Watering Tetrahedrons fountain.
The Holland Tunnel Wall was a mural. It was larger than the facade of Our Lady of Vilnius church. The mural appeared white at first. Over time, rain weathered away layers of paint. This revealed colorful underlayers.
The Self-Watering Tetrahedrons fountain was in Prudential’s Gateway 4 lobby. It stood three stories tall. The 3000 A.D. Diffusion Piece is permanently installed. It is a subject of a New York City official historical sign.
Fugate-Wilcox’s art has sometimes been controversial. He tangled with the House Un-American Activities Committee. He also had issues with the New York City Department of Buildings. Even magazine “Art in America” took notice of him.
His works are in prestigious collections. These include the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Australia. NYC Parks also has his art. Despite its artistic significance, the 3000 A.D. Diffusion Piece has faced challenges. It was once covered in graffiti. Thankfully, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation took care to remove it.
The artist’s concept aligns with his enthusiasm for Actual Art. Time and natural processes should change art. The 3000 A.D. Diffusion Piece embodies this philosophy. Fugate-Wilcox’s vision extends beyond this sculpture. He proposed the San Andreas Fault Sculpture Project. It would be a concrete monolith straddling the fault. Earth’s tectonic forces would crack it.
As you stand before the 3000 A.D. Diffusion Piece consider its future. Imagine the sculpture in the year 3000. Visualize the fused metal. Think about the forces of nature at play. This artwork invites us to contemplate time and change. It encourages us to see art as an evolving process.