Artwork copyright Wally Warren. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Wally Warren. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017 (detail).

Artwork copyright Wally Warren. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Mandala, 1988

Wally Warren
American (born 1945)

Location: West Hills Elementary, Bremerton

About the Artwork

Mandala is a mixed-media sculpture created by artist Wally Warren. He constructed the circular form by arranging painted shards of wood and found objects onto a square frame. Warren notes, "For me the circle (Mandala) is a compelling image suggesting movement and depth. But with the addition of found objects and street discards it takes on an added significance where the eye can roam from one vaguely familiar object to another. The protruding shapes of painted sticks are like piers on a brightly colored island cityscape or rays of color pointing toward an unknown center, a destination encircled by a wheel filled with life's refuse."

A mandala is a circular symbol with rings of intricate and symmetrical patterns. In Buddhism, Hinduism, and other Eastern religions, the mandala represents the universe, wholeness, and totality. It is used for meditation as its detailed layers encourage you to look closely, focusing your thoughts. 

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Bremerton School District.

About the Artist

Artist Wally Warren creates mixed-media sculpture using found objects. Born in Maine, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maine in 1974. He lived in Seattle in the 1980s. He now lives in Ripley, Maine.