Iroquois Sculpture

Emerging from the earth, Iroquois stands tall. This isn’t just any sculpture. It’s a 40-foot-high declaration of industrial artistry, forged from painted steel I-beams by Mark di Suvero. He saw cranes as his paintbrushes, envisioning his massive creations as “paintings in three dimensions.” Iroquois pulsates with a robust energy that draws you in. Its abstract form, composed of those signature I-beams, speaks to di Suvero’s innovative use of industrial materials. Notice the central knot? It hints at a Chinese influence, further emphasized by the vibrant red color. And see how the top almost seems to dance? That’s the kinetic element, a signature of di Suvero’s work. The open structure of Iroquois encourages you to walk around, explore it from all angles, and become a part of the art itself. The sculpture’s name is one of seven di Suvero dedicated to Native American tribes, a list including Mohican, Sioux, and Navajo. The Association for Public Art, with the support of art patron David N. Pincus, brought Iroquois to Philadelphia in 2007. The sculpture underwent a significant restoration in 2022. Carefully disassembled piece by piece, it journeyed to Delaware for cleaning and repainting, returning in the fall, revitalized. Now, Iroquois stands proudly on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. It is a bold work of art, a testament to industrial strength and artistic vision.