An innovator in the use of industrial materials, Mark di Suvero describes his monumental sculptures as “paintings in three dimensions with the crane as my paintbrush.”
His 40-foot-high painted steel Iroquois has a robust energy and physical presence, which appeals to a wide audience.
The abstract sculpture is formed from painted steel I-beams, which are emblematic of the artist’s use of industrial materials. A Chinese influence can be noted in the central knot shape and brilliant red color of the sculpture. Iroquois also has a characteristic kinetic element at its top. The open shapes invite public interaction and viewing from multiple angles. The artist has named seven sculptures for Native American Indian tribes: Mohican, Sioux, Shoshone, Miwok, Navajo, Catawba, and Iroquois.
Iroquois was acquired by the Fairmount Park Art Association (now the Association for Public Art) in 2007 with the support of art patron and humanitarian David N. Pincus, on the occasion of his eightieth birthday.
In spring 2022, the Association for Public Art temporarily removed Iroquois for a major conservation restoration. The sculpture was carefully disassembled, stripped, cleaned and repainted, and returned to the Parkway in September 2022 as part of the Association‘s 150th anniversary celebration. Learn more about the restoration ››
Voices heard in the Museum Without Walls: AUDIO program: Mark di Suvero is internationally recognized as a key figure in the development of postwar American sculpture. Lowell McKegney (1948-2011) was sculptor Mark di Suvero’s installation supervisor and longtime friend. | Segment Producer: Lu Olkowski
Museum Without Walls: AUDIO is the Association for Public Art’s award-winning audio program for Philadelphia’s outdoor sculpture. Available for free by phone, mobile app, or online, the program features more than 150 voices from all walks of life – artists, educators, civic leaders, historians, and those with personal connections to the artworks.
RESOURCES:
- How to Request Images
- Kids Activity Page for Iroquois
- Iconic Ben Franklin Parkway sculpture is getting a face-lift (Philadelphia Inquirer)
- Installation of Mark di Suvero’s Iroquois (from 2007)
- Iroquois Dedication with Artist Mark di Suvero (from 2007)
- Plans Announced for Mark di Suvero’s Iroquois in Philadelphia (from 2007)
This artwork is part of the Along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway tour, and the Around the Philadelphia Museum of Art tour.
