Didn’t some newspaper call it giant ketchup bottles? That’s just one reaction to the Covenant Sculpture here at the University of Pennsylvania.
The Covenant Sculpture stands before you. It is more than just an abstract form. It is a testament to unity and artistic vision. This striking sculpture invites contemplation. It also sparks diverse interpretations.
Alexander Liberman created this artwork. He was a Russian-American artist of many talents. He was a magazine editor, painter, photographer, and sculptor. During his 32 years at Condé Nast Publications, he held senior artistic positions.
Liberman’s sculptures are assembled from industrial objects. These include steel I-beams and pipes. They also include drums. Often, they are painted in uniform bright colors. The Covenant Sculpture is no exception.
Commissioned in 1975, the Covenant Sculpture resulted from the Redevelopment Authority’s Percent for Art requirement. This regulation ensures that a portion of construction funds goes toward public art. The National Endowment for the Arts assisted with a grant.
Made of tubular red steel, the Covenant Sculpture weighs over 25 tons. Its dimensions are impressive. It measures 45 feet in height, 34 feet in width, and 67 feet in depth. It features five major cylindrical units. Each section is 12 feet in diameter.
Liberman intended the Covenant Sculpture to evoke a feeling of unity. He wanted it to inspire spiritual participation. He characterized his larger works as free architecture. He wanted these to have the impact of a temple or cathedral.
The sculpture’s asymmetrical design is striking. Each viewing angle alters the apparent axes. This ever-changing perspective adds to its allure.
In 1975, when the Covenant Sculpture was installed, it garnered mixed reviews. Some likened it to giant ketchup bottles. Others saw nuclear reactors. Despite these initial reactions, the sculpture has become an integral part of the campus.
Liberman once said that many works of art are screams. He identified with screams. The Covenant Sculpture embodies this sentiment. Its bold form and color make a statement. It demands attention and provokes thought.
Take a moment to walk around the Covenant Sculpture. Observe how the light plays on its surface. Note how your perspective changes with each step. Consider the artist’s intention. Ponder the sculpture’s meaning. What does the Covenant Sculpture say to you?