State selects two sculptures to commemorate bicentennial

The state has chosen two artists to build sculptures on the grounds of the Indiana Government Center to celebrate Indiana’s bicentennial.

A selection committee that reviewed 104 proposals chose New York artist Osman Akan to create a sculpture called “Enduring Flame” and Bloomington artist Dale Enochs to build a sculpture called the “Living Time Piece.”

The artists’ works will be installed on the Bicentennial Plaza, which is at the intersection of the Robert D. Orr Plaza and Senate Avenue.
 

“Enduring Flame,” by New York artist Osman Akan, and a sculpture called “Living Time Capsule,” by Dale Enochs, are both scheduled for installation July 30. (Rendering courtesy of Indiana Governor’s Office)

Akan, whose wife is from Indiana, is known for art that integrates natural and artificial light, using reflective and refractive qualities of various materials and creative perspective points.

Enochs is best known as a limestone sculptor. He has previously created public works throughout Indiana, including a spherical, limestone sculpture outside the governor’s residence.

“Enduring Flame” will symbolize the torch of the Indiana flag. It will incorporate the torch’s flame and its rays, as well as the 19 stars that represent Indiana’s place as the 19th state admitted to the union.

“Living Time Capsule” will incorporate three main elements—a dwarf tulip poplar, a limestone square from Indiana and its major waterways carved into the upper face of the stone, and a polished stainless steel ring standing 21 feet tall.

“Both sculptures speak to Indiana’s rich heritage and provide a robust investment to the state of Indiana,” Indiana Department of Administration Commissioner Jessica Robertson said in a statement.

Installation of the two art pieces is scheduled for July 30, 2016.