Granite bench or art? That is the question that The Six Crystals by Philip Larson provokes. Not far from Jackie Winsor’s piece sits The Six Crystals. It is a granite bench with a pinkish hue.
The Six Crystals was created in 1988. It is located in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is an 11-acre park. It is near the Walker Art Center.
Between the base and the seat of The Six Crystals, there are six geometric shapes. They are crafted from iron. Each iron piece features four diamond shapes. The diamond shapes are configured uniquely. They differ from all the rest.
Sometimes a chair is just a chair. But if it’s in an art museum, pay attention to where you sit. You might just be sitting on art.
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden has many famous landmarks. One is the Claus Oldenberg and Coosje van Bruggen piece. It is called Spoonbridge and Cherry. It has been a must-see destination since 1985.
The Walker Art Center also houses other sculptures. They are just as deserving of your attention as the Spoonbridge and Cherry. One of these is The Six Crystals.
Another sculpture is Grass by Richard Stankiewicz. This metal sculpture is in the Northeast corner of the garden. It is on a small hillside evoking its name. Minnesota is famous for its prairie heritage.
There is also Paul Walter’s Piece by Jackie Winsor. The piece looks like branches held together by a rigid ball of yarn. Instead of yarn, Winsor used copper wire. Inside are actual tree branches and saplings.
Selections from The Living Series by Jenny Holzer is another piece. It may be mistaken for headstones. It is made up of 28 white granite benches. Visitors can read the brief facts engraved onto each bench.
“We Shall Never Stop Planting” by Joseph Beuys is another piece. It is made up of a Siouxland Cottonwood tree and a basalt stone.
Wind Chimes by Pierre Huyghe is another sculpture to experience. Two-hundred and eighty-eight aluminum tubes make up 47 chimes. Each tube is a note from Dream. Dream is a 1948 piano composition by John Cage. The wind creates dreamy tones.
So next time you are at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden take a seat at The Six Crystals. Take a moment to appreciate the art.