By Laura Rodell

The University may opt not to restore a sculpture that stood outside Axinn Library for 14 years before its recent removal. Rising 14-feet high and bold red, the piece has been a jewel in the University’s sculpture garden, but has also become an increasing financial burden and safety hazard for the community.

Overtures to remove the sculpture derive from the University’s museum, which is responsible for upkeep of the University’s various art holdings. The sculpture in question is Lin Emory’s, “Tree,” which the University acquired in 1991.

“Tree” is classified as a kinetic sculpture, with upper sections that can rotate a full 360 degrees. Because variable wind conditions dictate rotation, the concept of chance plays an integral part in Emory’s design and vision. Made entirely of marine grade aluminum, the mobile parts represent branches and leaves, while the stationary base represents a trunk. Now completely removed from its concrete base, “Tree” used to be located at the south entrance to the Unispan outside of Axinn Library.

Students may have noticed the mobile parts missing since last year, when the sculpture was partially dismantled. Museum Director David Christman said several grounds crew and museum staff members reported a slowing down of these movable parts in April 2004. Christman then examined the work himself and discovered at least one part to be “floppy” and chaffing against other parts; he also observed scars on the metal.

The museum immediately consulted a metal expert, Peter Homestead, who said the sculpture was liable to collapse. The museum also learned that two other Emory pieces, also created during the early 90s, had already collapsed.

Christman said such safety concerns necessitated immediate stripping of the sculpture’s movable parts – its leaves and branches – while its stationary trunk, scarred but not dangerous, was taken down just last week. Now, the University must decide whether to repair and return the sculpture or to make the removal permanent.

Homestead told the University “Tree’s” upper parts could be rebuilt to restore mobility and eliminate surface damage.

“At today’s prices, though, it would cost as much to repair ‘Tree’ as it did to originally build it,” Christman said.

Repairing the sculpture would also not ensure future safety, since one of the Emory pieces had also been repaired prior to its collapse.

“Confronted with a safety issue as well as an issue of colossal expense, it seems wise to not rebuild the sculpture,” Christman said. Some students agree with this reasoning, citing high costs as a major consideration. “I always liked the sculpture but, if repair costs equal the origonal building cost, I think it should be removed,” senior and fine arts major Melissa Sousa, said. “Even though it was an interesting piece, I’m sure there are lots of other works that could be put there and maybe it was just time for this one to retire.”

As the only kinetic sculpture on campus, the mobile quality of “Tree” made it unique, but also led to its downfall. “Outdoor kinetic sculptures are very rare because of the mechanical and technical maintanence they require as well as the extra insurance costs,” Christman said.

In fact, insurance costs are a contributing factor to the case against restoration of the sculpture. “No reputable insurance company is going to insure a kinetic sculpture after such repairs had to be made. So even if we did put it back up, the university would have to cover any subsequent damage itself,” Christman said.

Before a final decision can be made, however, Christman and a museum advisor will discuss the issue. Upon their agreement, the museum can issue a final recommendation to President Stuart Rabinowitz.

If Christman is successful in securing permanent removal, he said currently there are no plans for a replacement piece. For now, the concrete platform and metal trunk of “Tree” stand free from its potentially hazardous leaves and branches; and while its image remains striking, “Tree” has grown more removed than ever from its natural namesake.

The University museum is currently debating whether or not to restore the “Trees” sculpture that stood outside the Axinn Library.