Title: Argonaut

Creator: Jonathan Kirk

Region: Rome

Date: 2010 (installed at Griffiss)

Medium: steel

Technique: galvanizing

Dimensions: 125 inches (height) x 122 inches (width) x 73 inches (depth)

Description: The spiral forms within Jonathan Kirk's Argonaut have a few different stories to tell. Such spirals are everywhere in nature, from snails to shells to galaxies. One such form is the eggcase of a type of octopus from the genus Argonauta, also known as a "paper nautilus." However, there are additional metaphorical layers to this abstract steel sculpture. It also suggests a ram's horn, leading us to the classical myth of Jason's quest to find the Golden Fleece, the mythical flying golden ram upon which the constellation Aries is based. Those who sailed with Jason on his ship, the Argo, were referred to as Argonauts, seeking adventure on a heroic journey. Indeed, the overall form of this artwork has been described by Kirk as a “vessel of discovery,” with the two solid shapes at the front acting as the prow of a ship. For each of us this journey, what we seek and what we discover along the way, will be different.

Subject: Public art, Metal sculpture, Outdoor sculpture

Rights: © Jonathan Kirk 2010

(In Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/)

Find out more:
http://www.griffissbusinesspark.com/park_map.asp?type=S&id=23

http://www.jonathankirk.net/sculpture/1

ID#: AO-00006

Location: Griffiss International Sculpture Garden, Rome, along Wright Drive