26 Mar April Stephenson Showcase Artist Bruce Loewenthal: “Let’s Talk About Roundabouts”
Pushing a conversation in a different direction isn’t a new concept for Bruce Loewenthal. This award-winning architect-turned-public-art-designer has always been one for presenting things that cause people to react from their gut. He thrives on discourse and thrusting thoughtful artwork into the masses.
Being the first-ever male member of his high school’s modern dance group planted the seed for his visceral connection to his work. The physicality and commitment to dance kept Bruce in the moment and tied to his performance. By putting pencil to paper; getting rough materials and working with them with his hands, he feels that same connection to his public art. “Get away from the computer—there has to be something human instead of just digital.”
concept and model by Bruce Loewenthal
Bruce is the president of Silverwood Builders, an Indianapolis custom home builder, where he has been designing and building homes and other unique products since 1984. His work is extremely wide ranging: commercial and residential interiors, custom homes, original religious artifacts, art furniture, and public art projects.
Bruce’s work provokes reaction from the viewer. His Mindful Wayfinding interventions placed in bus shelters along various streets in downtown Indy are a play on traditional street signage. They remind us to slow down and think carefully about who we are and where we are going. In placing them, he hopes to help shift viewer’s attitudes to be more aware, tolerant, considerate, conscious, and spiritual in their daily lives. These wayfinding signs can be seen in some of his roundabout models in the exhibit and will be available as magnets.
In his exhibit, “Let’s Talk About Roundabouts” Bruce offers us eleven different conceptual designs for public art in roundabouts. A common thread in Bruce’s work is his response to physical, cultural, and psychological architectural culture. Through his work, he enjoys telling a thought-provoking story. These designs are concepts for artwork that is focused on the life of the vehicular person. Bruce wants to create intriguing public art that will delight and awaken people as well as spark a conversation with decision makers in Hamilton County about new concepts for roundabout sculptures. “Public art is the rare place where personal vision and public space combine for new experiences which involve both artist/designer and anyone who views the work.”
concept and model by Bruce Loewenthal
See Bruce’s “Let’s Talk About Roundabouts” exhibit in the Stephenson House from April 2-24 during our open hours. Meet Bruce at his reception on Friday, April 9th from 3pm-6pm – click this link to register your attendance. Contact us at info@NickelPlateArts.org if you have any questions about attending the reception.
