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| [Photo by Michael Johnston] |
This blog is dedicated to Emlen Etting’s sculpture, Phoenix Rising, at Dilworth Plaza at City Hall in Philadelphia.
Etting’s abstract sculpture was installed on November 4, 1982 and is the artist’s memorial to friend and former mayor Richardson Dilworth. The sculpture is made of aluminum and covered with white baked enamel. It is mounted on a reinforced concrete base and reaches twenty feet at its highest point.
Now with Philadelphia’s Center City District’s $50 million proposal to transform Dilworth Plaza by 2013, Phoenix Rising’s future is unknown.
CCD’s earliest proposal states that Phoenix Rising will most likely remain in its original location but will be raised for greater visibility to the public. However CCD’s most recent plan states that Phoenix Rising will no longer be part of Dilworth Plaza. The sculpture will be relocated. Its new location is undecided.
Last week I spoke with a person at Philadelphia’s Public Art Program. It appears that neither Phoenix Rising’s future nor its history is the concern. I was told that the designers feel that the piece does not fit with the style of the new plaza and that Etting’s work is dated.
I was also told that public art will play a part in the new design and as a result new pieces are being considered. I am interested to see what new works are chosen, who the artists are, and how and where they will be installed on the plaza.
I support the transformation of Dilworth Plaza just as I support most city efforts at beautifying Philadelphia. What interests me is the relocation of Etting’s Phoenix Rising. I find it peculiar. Why is Phoenix Rising really being relocated? And where? Has any attempt been made to fit Phoenix Rising in with the new design? Why would a memorial to Dilworth be removed from Dilworth Plaza? Why is so little information available about Emlen Etting and his work?
