The 14ft monumental, magnificent work of art by Jamaican artist Stefan Clarke, was unveiled recently at the University
of Technology's centre island. The work, entitled 'Trinity (Hope, Unity, Prudence)' was sponsored by Simon Fredricks, a patron of the development of arts at UTech. Also present were Blossom O'Meally Nelson, president of UTech Dr. Rae Davis, and Pat Ramsay, director for the Centre of the Arts, UTech. - CONTRIBUTED
THIS SCULPTURE has been designed to stand in the centre island behind the guard house at
the main vehicular entrance to
the University of Technology (UTech).
While the sculptures in the sculpture garden were designed to represent the many faculties of the University, this piece has been designed to mark a threshold for those entering and leaving the
campus an invitation to aspire.
The piece is composed of three figures: two facing each other as in a mirror or at a window, and a third, outward facing figure outside the mirror clasping the hands of both mirror images.
Using the metaphor of a window where one sees simultaneously one's own self and the world juxtaposed, the mirror images (twins) represent the search for self-knowledge, and the act of reaching through one's own mental and social boundaries at universal truths beyond the quest for knowledge. These twins stand in rapt introspection, reaching towards each other through the 'glass'.
The third figure symbolises the unification of self and society through education. This figure faces the world, confident and strong, clasping the hands of the twins and leaning into the winds of future challenges.
SEEKING UNITY
In all that is occurring in the world today, the youth entering and leaving a place of higher learning need to seek unity, but as individuals, strong in themselves. Through the eradication of ignorance, we can learn empathy, compassion, gratitude and love for ourselves and our fellows.
The figures are asexual, so that the viewer, regardless of sex, can engage with the energy and dynamic of the whole.
Today's world suffers from an over-abundance of educated ignorant people persons who have never known themselves, and thus feel no impulse to know anything beyond their immediate scope. This piece attempts to express the ideal for self and society the preservation of memory (history) and the dissemination of information.
I, Stefan Clarke, propose to build the sculpture as described, consisting of three figures, each approximately fifteen feet in height. Each figure will require approximately one month to complete, and final installation of the entire structure should take about two weeks (after construction of the concrete base). Thus the estimated time for completion is 3 1/2 months.
This piece is being donated to the University by Simon Fredericks.
