Rollback Bench, 1992

Christy Rupp
(American, born 1949)

Location: University of Washington, Seattle

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Christy Rupp created Rollback Bench as a place to sit and reflect on our policies about endangered species, environmental issues, and conservation, twenty years after the 1973 Endangered Species Act. In 1992, the bill was being challenged by groups who claimed it would cause economic doom for the Northwest lumber industry. The artist notes, "As fragments of ecosystems slip away we must wonder how many species can be lost before the system becomes dysfunctional. Because the right of biodiversity has not yet been established legally, issues of job security and the unviability of saving small populations of questionably significant species will frame the fight to conserve our resources for future generations."

Rollback Bench is a multi-element installation that consists of a concrete bench in the shape of the Grand Coulee Dam (found in Central Washington) and three metal salmon sculptures swimming towards the bench. Washington’s dams are a well-known obstacle to spawning salmon migrating from the ocean to inland rivers. The word “rollback” also refers to a couch style and a return to the past.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with University of Washington.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Artist Christy Rupp creates conceptual artworks in a variety of materials that explore ecology and humanity's impact on the environment. She lives and works in New York City.
Rupp earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (1973) from Colgate University in New York State, a Master of Arts in Teaching degree (1973) from Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and a Master of Fine Arts degree (1975) from the Rinehart School of Sculpture at the Maryland Institute College of Art.

ARTWORK DETAILS
Material CategorySculpture - stone / ceramics / terracotta
MediumConcrete, stone, and stainless steel
DimensionsDimensions unknown
ID NumberWSAC1991.035.000
Acquisition MethodSite responsive commission
Artist LocationNew York, United States
Location Information
AgencyUniversity of Washington
Artwork LocationUniversity of Washington
Near ASUW Shell House, Exterior on east side, Facing water, 3655 Walla Walla Rd.
WA CountyKing
PlacementExterior
Site TypeUniversity
Address15th Ave. NE, between NE Pacific St. and NE 45th St.
Seattle, WA 98195
Geo. Coordinates47.647897, -122.299726
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