On Thursday, July 15, Landmarks unveiled its newest acquisition, Sentinel IV by artist Simone Leigh. The bronze sculpture is located in the courtyard of the Anna Hiss Gymnasium, a building that once served as the women’s gym at the center of the university’s Women’s Campus. Its courtyard anchors the sculpture in a welcoming garden that serves as a gathering space which invites reflection and engagement.
The online celebration opened with remarks by Landmarks Director Andrée Bober and College of Fine Arts Dean Ramón Rivera-Servera. Brief introductions followed by curatorial contributor Stephanie Sparling Williams and Chair of UT's African and African Diaspora Studies Department and Professor of Art and Art History Dr. Cherise Smith. Sparling Williams and Smith then began a conversation with Leigh, which centered on Leigh's artistic practice, bringing into focus her interest in material, the African diaspora as source point, and the placement of Sentinel IV at Anna Hiss Gymnasium.
We invite you to learn more about the installation in an essay by Sparling Williams that can be found under “Essay” on Leigh’s artist page.
Sentinel IV may be viewed in-person at any time in the courtyard of Anna Hiss Gymnasium.
Check out the video below to re-visit the virtual celebration with Leigh.