Nicholas Galanin Unveils Animal-Hide Sculpture at St. Louis Gateway Arch for Counterpublic
Nicholas Galanin, an artist from Alaska, has unveiled a metal sculpture titled "Land is Never a Gateway (Sightline/Lifeline)" in front of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis for the Counterpublic art festival. This artwork, which mimics a stretched animal hide, is strategically positioned to align with the arch, questioning the narratives surrounding Westward expansion and Manifest Destiny. Galanin, who has Lingit and Unangax̂ heritage, seeks to disrupt the arch's sightline, highlighting how perspective influences historical visibility. The festival, taking place from 10 September to 12 December, showcases various artists, including Kite and Alice Bucknell, under the direction of James McAnally and Charlie Farrell. The Gateway Arch, created by Eero Saarinen, stands at 630 feet.
Key facts
- Nicholas Galanin created a metal sculpture titled "Land is Never a Gateway (Sightline/Lifeline)" for Counterpublic.
- The sculpture is located in front of the Eero Saarinen-designed Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
- The piece is designed to create an optical illusion, aligning with the arch when viewed from below.
- Galanin is based in Sitka, Alaska, and is of Lingit and Unangax̂ descent.
- The work challenges narratives of Westward expansion and Manifest Destiny.
- Counterpublic's third edition, "Coyote Time," runs from 10 September to 12 December.
- The festival includes works by over fifty artists, including Kite and Alice Bucknell.
- The Gateway Arch is 630 feet (94 metres) tall and is known as "The Gateway to the West."
Entities
Artists
- Nicholas Galanin
- Eero Saarinen
- Torkwase Dyson
- Scott Joplin
- Kite
- Alice Bucknell
- Jon Gitchoff
Institutions
- Counterpublic
- Dezeen
Locations
- St. Louis
- United States
- Sitka
- Alaska
- Mississippi River
Sources
- Dezeen —