At the Pool Arts Center (PAC), it’s in with the new, out with the old, as the PAC gains a new kiln and sends Ernest Trova’s “Abstract Variation” sculpture to St. Louis for repairs. The sculpture will return to the PAC repaired and reprimed.

The Trova sculpture was created by Ernest Trova, whom, in 1969, the New York Times described as “among the best of contemporary American sculpture.” His work is notable because of its unique representation of humanity.

This Trova piece and the photo of the blue Trova sculpture above are located outside the Springfield Art Museum. Photos via Taylor Stanton.

“Trova’s advocates believed he had invented an extraordinary symbol of dystopian humanity,” stated by Etrova.org.

In 1963, the Pace Gallery opened its Manhattan location and began the two decade long exhibition of Trova’s work.

“For more than 20 years, he was represented by the estimable Pace Gallery, which inaugurated its first New York space with an exhibition of his work,” stated Etrova.org.

A gift to Drury

Associate Librarian and Art Collection Curator, Jacqueline Tygart, explained how Drury acquired the sculpture in an article she wrote last month.

“Ernest Trova donated this sculpture to Drury in 1979, following a solo exhibition of his work at Cox Gallery in Lydy Hall,” Tygart explained. “In 2004, the Trova sculpture moved to Pool Art Center when Drury renovated it for the art department.”

His work has been exhibited all over the world. According to Tygart, the Laumeier Sculpture Park began in 1975 after Trova donated 40 sculptures to St. Louis County.

“Pace Gallery represented Trova from 1963 to 1985, and major museums such as MoMA, the Tate, the National Gallery, the Smithsonian, and the Walker Art Center own his works. In addition to this large abstract sculpture, Drury owns three prints by Trova,” Tygart said.

In need of a polish

Trova’s “Abstract Variation” sculpture being sent to St. Louis for repairs. Photo via Jacqueline Tygart.

Associate professor and PAC Gallery Director, Rebecca Miller, explained the need for the piece to be sent to St. Louis. Since the sculpture is an outdoor piece of art, the weather is very harsh on the material; hence the need to be repaired.

“The weather has not been kind to the sculpture and a large, heavy piece of it broke off over a year ago. We are so fortunate that the Office of University Advancement was able to secure funding to renovate the work from Mary Jane Pool and her brother Earl Pool, whom our building is named after,” Miller said.

“It should return to campus in several months for generations of artists and patrons of the arts to enjoy,” she stated.

Written by Kelli Volonte.