Hidden Gems of the Sculpture Garden

Object NameMural

Artist / Maker Louise "Ouizi" Jones ((American, b. 1988))

Date2021

MediumAcrylic on panel

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineCommissioned by University Museums with funds from the Joyce Brewer Acquisition Fund, and the Neva Petersen Endowment. In the Art on Campus Collection, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberU2021.170

Status

On view

Collections

Label Text“The Hidden Gems of the Sculpture Garden” is a collaboration between artist and educator. The mural was developed through conversations with horticulturalists, curators, and art and plant lovers. I was lucky enough to come to Ames for a site visit in the spring, where I toured the campus’s beautiful grounds, the Ada Hayden Herbarium, and Reiman Gardens. I was moved by the lush landscaping throughout the Iowa State University Campus, but for the mural I wanted to highlight the plantings in the Anderson Sculpture Garden outside of The Christian Petersen Art Museum, where the work would eventually be installed. Like Petersen’s sculptures of students studying, the painted flowers become a permanent fixture and can be appreciated throughout the year even when they are not in bloom. Featuring: Griffith Buck Hardy Roses, Brunerra, Japanese anemone, hellebore, Adiantum (maidenhair fern), Lily of the valley, and beauty berry. Artist Statement: This mural is an educational/encyclopedic work, referencing real plants in the garden that all have different bloom times, so that students can find the references throughout the seasons, between last frost and first frost. Each flower was chosen based off of its color, shape, and meaning. Hellebore is a striking spring bloom that comes in a variety of dramatic colors, shapes, and sizes that you wouldn’t expect in a flower. It can be found all throughout the campus - the one pictured here has more petals than the usual varieties and an intricate magenta lace pattern. The peach-colored Buck rose is named after Griffith J. Buck, a famed professor of horticulture who bred these hardy roses while working at the university. The Japanese anemones (which are originally from China) are a late summer/early autumn bloom, some of the last to bloom before the first frost. The white blooms were chosen to contrast the dark background. The dainty Lily-of-the-valley serves to round out the composition; and in some cultures, it symbolizes youth, innocence, and happiness. The Maidenhair fern is a native Iowa plant; and it adds a delicate texture to the background, complementing the bold shapes of the blooms. Lastly, Brunnera was chosen for its striking leaves that look like silvery lattice, but the blooms are also included because they were still lingering in October during the painting of the mural. They are also known as “false forget-me-not” because of their striking resemblance. Lastly, the Beautyberry bush fills in the rest of the background, in muted purple/red turning to green, as it appears during the transition from summer to fall.

Locations