54 Columns

54 Columns is a public art installation in Atlanta, Georgia, USA by artist Sol LeWitt. Located at the corner of Glen Iris Drive and North Highland Ave., the large-scale sculpture consists of 54 concrete columns in a grid-like arrangement. The overall shape of the installation is approximately triangular with dimensions of 112 x 176 feet (34 x 54 meters). The columns range in height from 10 to 20 feet (3.05 to 6.1 meters).[1]

Close up view of typical columns at 54 Columns - Art installation by Sol Lewitt
Typical Columns
Street view of the 54 Columns art installation by Sol Lewitt
Street View of 54 Columns
Drone view of 54 Columns - Art installation by Sol LeWitt in Atlanta
Drone View of 54 Columns

Background
Atlanta Slyline as seen from 54 Columns
Atlanta Skyline Seen From 54 Columns

Sol LeWitt (Sept. 9, 1928 – April 8, 2007) is regarded as a pioneer in the movements of both minimal art and conceptual art.[2] LeWitt often integrates art and architecture in his work. 54 Columns is an example of this combination. The installation loosely mirrors the Atlanta skyline which is visible from the site.[3] The use of concrete (an industrial material) by LeWitt is a recognition of and a reflection of the artwork's urban setting.[4] Several private donors assisted by the High Museum of Art made this gift to the people of Fulton County possible.[1] At the time of installation, Gregor Turk, Fulton County's public art coordinator called LeWitt's abstract representation “simultaneously lowbrow and highbrow.” [4]

History

This minimalistic sculpture was commissioned by the Fulton County Arts Council in 1999.[1] 54 Columns has generated some controversy. In 2003 local residents displeased with the look of the concrete structures planted dogwood trees among the columns to cover them up. The City of Atlanta determined that “the trees spoiled the sanctity of LeWitt’s installation”, and the dogwoods were removed. In 2005, one of the columns was painted pink.[4] In 2022, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners approved $100,000 (US) to renovate 54 Columns. The revitalization will include a new entrance path, stadium-style seating for events, and upgraded landscaping and signage.[5]

References
  1. "54 Columns from the collection of Fulton County Public Art Program". Artwork Archive. Retrieved 2023-02-02.
  2. "The Guggenheim Museums and Foundation". The Guggenheim Museums and Foundation. Retrieved 2023-02-03.
  3. Kickliter, Kathryn. "These 54 columns will surprise you". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. ISSN 1539-7459. Retrieved 2023-02-02.
  4. "54 Columns of Atlanta". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 2023-02-03.
  5. staff, ArtsATL (2022-06-27). "Eric Nine wins mural commission; Fulton County to revitalize "54 Columns" site". ARTS ATL. Retrieved 2023-02-03.
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