This Set is designed as a self-guided exploration of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. It focuses on learning and discussing the element of SPACE in 3-dimensional work. It is designed for students in 6th–12th grades but could be revised for younger students.
There are four opportunities for students to "Go Exploring" in the Garden looking for examples of artists' use of space.
You may print this Set and take it with you. From the Set's detail page, locate the ITEM ACTIONS (blue box on the right of the screen). Click "Printable View" and a printable format appears a new browser tab. Use your browser's commands to print the Set.
If you use this activity in the Garden, you may want to give each student or groups of students a copy of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Map available at the Visitor Services desk in the Walker lobby.
The Set also includes links to more information about works in the Sculpture Garden.
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This self-guided visit to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is focused on exploring how artists have worked with the element of space in 3-dimensional work.
Before you begin your visit discuss the following questions about space in art:
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How do artists use SPACE in contemporary art?
The manipulation of two- and three-dimensional space has always been a part of art-making. Traditional sculptors created 3-dimensional works that were most often limited to figures, objects, or forms placed upon a pedestal. Space was often discussed in terms of positive and negative space. A solid piece of sculpture occupies space, and makes the empty space around it come to life. In fact, sculptors think of the entire composition, the interplay between solid and space, when they create a work of art.
In contemporary practice, art is not only placed on the wall or a pedestal, but also can sit on the floor, hang from the ceiling, or fill an entire room or gallery. Sometimes a single work requires the viewer to enter an artificial environment—indoors or outdoors. An artwork such as a mobile might shift through space seemingly by itself. Contemporary media art may exist in virtual space, such as the Internet, or in conceptual spaces that include imaginary places and the limitless universe.
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The first stop for this visit is a sculpture by Henry Moore. Discuss the following questions:
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Walk to this work by Judith Shea.
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Look for three other sculptures in the Garden that are placed on pedestals.
Once you have found three works with pedestals, gather by the Ellsworth Kelly sculpture titled Double Curve.
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After exploring, find this work by Ellsworth Kelly.
This sculpture does not have a pedestal. How does that change your experience?
Stand in the space between the two curves and look up. Describe how that makes you feel.
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Walk to this work titled Nautilus.
Artist: Charles Ginnever
Date: 1976
Medium: Sculpture, Sculptures
Size: installation dimensions vary 132 x 264 x 408 inches
Institution: Walker Art Center
Accession #: 1976.17
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Find three other sculptures that do not have pedestals. Describe how you can interact with the spaces in and around them.
Once you have found three sculptures without pedestals, gather again around Two-way Mirror Punched Steel Hedge Labyrinth by Dan Graham.
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Spend a few minutes walking with a friend in and around the space of this sculpture.
Artist: Dan Graham
Date: 1994–1996
Medium: Sculpture, Sculptures
Size: installed 90 x 206 x 508 inches
Institution: Walker Art Center
Accession #: 1996.133.1-.15
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Did you find this one? How did this artist create a space for you to experience?
Artist: Mark di Suvero
Date: 1977–1982
Medium: Sculpture, Sculptures
Size: overall installed 316.5 x 510 x 450 inches
Institution: Walker Art Center
Accession #: 1985.43
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Some artists create sculptural spaces that are almost like buildings.
What kind of building does this remind you of?
What do you see that makes you say that?
Artist: Brower Hatcher
Date: 1988
Medium: Sculpture, Sculptures
Size: 202 x 246 inches
Institution: Walker Art Center
Accession #: 1989.34
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Travel together to Belvedere by Jackie Ferrara
Take a few minutes to walk around and sit in this space.
Artist: Jackie Ferrara
Date: 1988
Medium: Sculpture, Sculptures
Size: overall 126 x 506 x 407 inches
Institution: Walker Art Center
Accession #: 1988.377
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Can you locate this work in the Garden? (Note that it is only installed over the summer, Memorial Day to Labor Day.)
After you have found it, spend a few minutes nearby without talking.
Artist: Pierre Huyghe
Date: 1997/2009
Medium: Sculpture, Sculptures
Size: dimensions variable
Institution: Walker Art Center
Accession #: 2009.40.1-.48
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Reflect back on your visit to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden today.
What comes to mind as you recall your experience?
What questions do you have?
For more information, you may click here to view the Walker's Web site about the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
There are also several other Art Collector Sets about the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden on ArtsConnectEd. Look for them in the "related items" tab below.
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