American sculptor Beverly Pepper passed away this February at the age of 97. She was known for her massive projects but, as noted in her obituary in the New York Times, these huge forms had a "quicksilver lightness."
Pepper's work generally transcends movements, and the way she lived reflects that — she spent more than half of her life in a sort of exile in Italy, quietly creating work and eschewing the monumental fame some of her contemporaries enjoyed in America during the same time period.
The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) recently sent three Pepper sculptures from their collection to Westfield UTC, to be on display for the public.
In a time when museums are closed and virtual exhibitions may not adequately convey the mass of sculpture, these outdoor opportunities feel very welcome.
Beginning in 2018, MCASD paired up with the mall to show a total of nine sculptures over several years. First, the museum installed three bronze figure works by different artists: Judith Shea, Sandro Chia and Francisco Zuñiga.
The new sculptures, three unique works by Beverly Pepper, were swapped out this month and are located just north of the mall's central seating area, known as Palm Plaza.
Pepper's 1965 work of brass, "The First Amphitheater," is a relatively small sculpture that seems timeless. In fact, one of Pepper's last works, 2018's "Amphisculpture," in the Italian city of L'Aquila, feels like a big homage to this piece.
A 1978 column of forged and cast iron, "Severio Column" is part of a series Pepper built across a period of several decades. It stands over 8 ft. tall, the texture of the iron rough with age, but still seems delicate.
And a tryptic, "Zeus Triad," built from 1997-1999, explores the space between column and figure. Pepper's rough-hewn work in bronze historically toes this line. The triad greets visitors closest to the mall's center.
The sculptures join dozens of other works of art at the mall, and will be on display through 2022.
Each month, the museum hosts family-friendly, in-person workshops and activities, but during the pandemic, MCASD has created DIY take-home projects. This month, families can register to pick up a free kit to create works inspired by the Pepper sculptures, and the project is geared towards children ages 5 and up. Kit pickup is Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. near Warby Parker and the central plaza.
