Sculpture | A publication of the International Sculpture Center

Sculptural Diplomacy

by sculpturemag

Friends of Art and Preservation in U.S. Embassies (FAPE) recently announced “Outdoor Sculpture at U.S. Embassies,” a new initiative that will install outdoor sculptures by American artists in embassies around the world. This program grew out of FAPE’s Gift to the Nation, a project that acquired sculpture and other works of art through purchase or donation for U.S. embassies. FAPE has overseen the installation of works by Elie Nadelman (London) and Joel Shapiro (Ottawa), and many sculptors and collectors have joined the effort: Louise Bourgeois, Beverly Pepper, Robert Arneson, Saul Baizerman, Jesús Bautista Moroles, and Maya Lin are among those who have contributed works to be sited in embassies in Istanbul, Zagreb, and Nairobi, among others. A White House reception will be held this month to celebrate FAPE’s programs and the publication of the Gift to the Nation catalogue. FAPE, based in Washington, DC, was established in 1986 to enhance the representation of American culture in U.S. embassies around the world. The organization is led by Executive Director Lee K. McGrath, Chairman Jo Carole Lauder, and President Ann Gund.

Elie Nadelman, Seated Woman with Raised Arm, c.1924. Bronze, 46 x 19 x 25 in. Donated by Janice H. Levin. Work installed permanently in the Janice H. Levin Sculpture Garden at U.S. Ambassador’s residence, London.
Joel Shapiro, Conjunction, 1999. Bronze, 40 ft. high. Donated by the artist. Work installed permanently in the garden of the U.S. embassy in Ottawa, Canada.
Beverly Pepper, Bedford Column, Tilius Bronze, 1990. Cast bronze, 102 x 13 in. diameter. Donated by Peter and Kirsten Bedford.
Yuriko Yamaguchi, Progression, 1988. Stained wood and wire mesh, 72 x 85 x 11 in. Donated by the artist. To be installed in Abu Dhabi.
Isamu Noguchi, Trinity (Triple), 1945–88. Constructed bronze plate, three elements, 55 x 22 x 20 in. Donated by the Isamu Noguchi Foundation, Inc. To be installed in Tokyo.
Jesús Bautista Moroles, Disc Spiral, 2001. Dakota/Fredericksburg granite, 88 x 50 x 10.5 in. Donated by the artist. To be installed in Seoul.
Robert Arneson, Critical Appraisal, 1992. Bronze, 78 x 24 x 23 in. Donated by Sandra Shannonhouse.
Claes Oldenburg and Coosje Van Bruggen, Houseball, 1996. Fiberglass-reinforced plastic, jute netting painted with polyester gelcoat, stainless steel, urethane, and PVC foams, 330 x 292 in. diameter. Donated by The Honorable and Mrs. Ronald S. Lauder.
Richard Filipowski, Mozart, 1963. Bronze and silver, 25.5 x 49 x 5 in.
Donated by David Rockefeller. To be installed in Vienna.