Six Triangles Sculpture

Gazing up at these vibrant, angular forms, one can’t help but wonder about the story behind the Six Triangles Sculpture. Here in the courtyard of Fagin Hall at the University of Pennsylvania, these colorful steel structures pierce the sky, each a different hue: red, purple, blue, green, yellow, and orange. The Six Triangles Sculpture was created in 1979 by Ephraim Peleg, a Polish-born artist and Holocaust survivor, and gifted to Penn in 1983 by Philip and Muriel Berman. The six triangles aren’t just an abstract form. They carry a profound meaning, a tribute to the six million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust. Peleg’s own parents perished in concentration camps, but he and his brother survived. This personal tragedy deeply informs his work, giving the Six Triangles Sculpture a poignant resonance. The sculpture’s bright colors might seem at odds with its somber theme. But Peleg intentionally chose these vibrant shades. He wanted the Six Triangles Sculpture to be accessible, especially to children, sparking their curiosity and opening a dialogue about the past. He hoped the cheerful colors would draw children in, prompting questions and discussions about the sculpture’s meaning. The placement of the Six Triangles Sculpture within the courtyard of Penn’s School of Nursing adds another layer of interpretation. It stands as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, the capacity to heal and rebuild even after unimaginable loss. While the Six Triangles Sculpture speaks to a dark chapter in history, it also embodies hope. Its vibrant colors symbolize the continuation of life, the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. The sculpture serves as a testament to the power of art to transform tragedy into a message of remembrance and resilience. As you leave the courtyard and the Six Triangles Sculpture fades from view, carry with you the story of its creation, a testament to the enduring power of memory and hope.