Stride

Object NameSculpture

Manufacturer Johnson Atelier, Technical Institute of Sculpture

Artist / Maker William King (American, 1925 - 2015)

Date1990

OriginUSA

MediumAluminum

Dimensions180 x 139 1/8 x 104 5/16 in. (457.2 x 353.4 x 265 cm)

ClassificationsSculpture

Credit LineCommissioned by the University Museums, Iowa Art in State Buildings Project for the Lied Recreation Center. In the Art on Campus Collection, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object numberU90.25

Status

On view

Collections

Label TextThe Lied Recreation/Athletic Facility (also known as the Rec Center) is always bustling with activity. Students, faculty, and staff often utilize this large multipurpose building for athletic recreation and competition. This theme of energetic activity is what William King chooses to reference in his sculpture, Stride. It is located near the west entrance to welcome building users and project the Rec Center's purpose and function. The sculpture itself represents three athletes striving for victory in the midst of competition. Their straight, flat aluminum bodies are held together at the joints by exposed nuts and bolts, similar to other sculptures by William King. The running figures' bodies have been reduced to represent just the simple basics of motion. They appear to be captured at the very moment of crossing the finish line much like a picture taken at a photo finish. This sculpture not only tells of the activity occurring within the building, but perhaps also provides a bit of athletic inspiration to its users. This model was created as the design proposal for the Lied Recreation-Athletic Center's Art in State Buildings Project, and was submitted to the campus review committee in 1989. Following committee approval the artist fabricated the sculpture, "Stride," and it was installed in 1990, at the front entrance of the Lied Center. The completed sculpture is aluminum and 17' tall. "Stride" depicts three abstracted human forms energetically engaging in competition, playfulness, and movement for recreational and athletic pursuits.

MarkingsWilliam King 1990 Record Foundry Mark: Jensen Foundry

SignedEastern most leg . Marked vertically.

Locations