Parapet Relay, 1995
Buster Simpson
(American, born 1942)
Location: University of Washington - Tacoma, Tacoma
ABOUT THE ARTWORK
Buster Simpson created Parapet Relay to honor history and community -- the Garretson Woodruff-Pratt building’s history as a warehouse and the University of Washington Tacoma’s relationship with the neighborhood. The artwork is made of two text panels and three sidewalk viewing markers. Two, long panels of text along the building's roofline change when seen from different angles. Depending on where you are standing on the campus, the signs read as one of the following words: IDEA, WISDOM, GATHER, LABOR, STORAGE, UW, or TACOMA.
Parapet Relay also includes three markers that are set into the concrete sidewalks of the surrounding area. They mark ideal viewing points that help you see a specific scene of the campus. This provides context and extra information for the text panels as you look at the Garretson Woodruff-Pratt building, the UW Tacoma campus, and the surrounding area.
This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with University of Washington.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Seattle-based artist Buster Simpson creates conceptual sculptures and public art installations with an emphasis on our relationship to urban growth, the structure of our communities, and our interaction with the environment.
ARTWORK DETAILS
Material Category | Sculpture - coated metals |
Medium | Galvanized steel louvered signs with cast iron and bronze plaques embedded in sidewalks |
Dimensions | Dimensions unknown |
ID Number | WSAC1993.162.00A-E |
Acquisition Method | Site responsive commission |
Artist Location | Washington, United States |
Location Information
Agency | University of Washington |
Artwork Location | University of Washington - Tacoma Exterior GWP Building, Exteriort of the WA State History Museum, Viewing marker on campus pedestrian pathway, SE corner of S. 19th St. and Market St. |
WA County | Pierce |
Placement | Exterior |
Site Type | University |
Address | 1900 Commerce St. Tacoma, WA 98402 |
Geo. Coordinates | 47.245299, -122.437167 |
Before Visiting | Some artworks may be located in areas not accessible to the general public (especially in K-12 public schools). Consider contacting the site prior to a visit to ensure access. |
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