Canada geese fly over the bronze branches and birds, seeming to give their blessing to Meijer Garden’s newest sculpture.
Named Amalgam (Origin) the 26-foot-tall bronze figure is the first public outdoor sculpture by artist Nick Cave, an extension of his body of work called “Soundsuits.”
“It’s always been about a way of adorning the body, sort of embellishing. How do we create that shield of protection, a suit of armor of sorts.”
The piece features a towering figure whose bare feet are planted in the earth, its torso blending into branches adorned with flowers and topped by sculpted birds.
“There are fifty different bird types nesting within the tree structure. I’m thinking about ‘birds of a feather flock together’ and I’m thinking about connectivity and how do we come together collectively.”
Located along the Gardens’ North Path, Curator Suzanne Ramljak says the sculpture captures the spirit of Meijer Gardens and its mission.
“We have art, culture, nature as the threesome we are always working toward. Its the ideal embodiment of Meijer Gardens, our ethos and our values.”
Amalgam (Origin) will remain as part of Meijer Gardens’ permanent collection of more than 300 international sculptures.
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