plate for e+l+e+m+e+n+t+a+l

Object NamePrinting Plates

Artist / Maker Norie Sato (Japanese-American, b. 1949)

Date2011

MediumCopper

Dimensions18 × 19 in. (45.7 × 48.3 cm)

ClassificationsArt on Campus Preparatory Studies and Maquettes

Credit LineAISB for Hach Hall. In the Art on Campus Model and Maquette Collection, Christian Petersen Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberU2012.99ab

Status

Not on view

Collections

CultureAmerican

Label TextFrom the University Museums Collections Handbook, vol. 2, 2025: As part of Norie Sato’s installation in the entry way of Hach Hall, the artist included four prints of non-traditional periodical tables. Varying greatly from the standard grid system we know today, this map of the elements features a spiral form with each element and its associated number. Spiral tables often start with hydrogen at the center, visually highlighting the repeating trends in chemical properties as one moves through the elements. Appearing almost like a spider’s web, Sato includes a fly in the corner of the plate, flying towards the table to get stuck in the web. The copper plate in this production of the print itself illustrates a chemical reaction, as acid is used to etch the copper with the design created by Sato. Part of the Art on Campus Maquette and Preparatory Studies Collection, this object is used to illustrate printmaking methods and illustrate in-depth research by the artist in the process of designing Hach Hall’s site-specific public art installation.