Hear the Curator (y1980-11)

Sculptor Scott Burton once described his work as “sculpture in love with furniture.” Often taking the form of tables and chairs, Burton’s sculptures imbue the simple blocks, cones, and cylinders of minimalism with functionality. For inspiration, he looked back to early twentieth-century Russian constructivists who privileged structure, the integ­rity of materials, and potential for social use. These qualities are present in this work, called Public Table. The table—an inverted cone balancing gracefully on a wide concrete base—stands in striking contrast to the collegiate Gothic architecture of its surroundings. At the same time, its smooth and comfortable concrete surface invites interaction, as demonstrated by the many students who can be seen relaxing here in good weather.