Aesop’s Fables, II Sculpture

Beneath the crisscrossing steel beams of Aesop’s Fables, II, a story unfolds. This isn’t just a sculpture. It’s a conversation between earth and sky, a modern fable whispering in the heart of MIT. Aesop’s Fables, II arrived at Hockfield Court in 2005, a creation of Mark di Suvero. Di Suvero, born in 1933, isn’t just a sculptor. He’s a champion of public art, a founder of New York’s Socrates Sculpture Park. His work graces over 100 museums and public collections, a testament to his impact on the art world. Aesop’s Fables, II isn’t a static piece. It interacts with its surroundings, echoing the dynamic forms of Gehry’s Stata Center nearby. The sculpture consists of two distinct components, linked by a sturdy I-beam. Five I-beams intertwine to form a triangular pyramid, a symbol of stability pointing towards both earth and sky. The second component is a whirlwind of I-beams and curved steel plates. Its abstract form suggests fragmentation, a contrast to the first component’s solidity. The vibrant red color that coats the sculpture isn’t just a decorative choice. It unifies the two contrasting forms, creating a visual energy that defies the sculpture’s heavy materiality. Look closely. You can see the bolted joints and welds, a testament to di Suvero’s on-site assembly and a reminder of the human hand in this monumental work. Aesop’s Fables, II isn’t just to be admired from afar. It invites interaction. Stand beneath its tent-like forms. Consider your size in relation to the sculpture. Consider its relationship to the surrounding buildings. Imagine two figures holding up the horizon line, a narrative whispered in steel. The negative space invites contemplation, creating a space for reflection in the bustling campus. Aesop’s Fables, II isn’t just a sculpture. It’s an experience.