The artist Dennis Oppenheim once said, "I was drawn to ravaged sites. When I wanted to undertake a piece I would go to New Jersey and stomp around chemical dumps. If the land wasn't degenerate enough for me I'd write words like 'diphtheria' on the hillside."
I'm not quite sure what to make of this statement in light of the fact that Oppenheim has been chosen to design a retail and residential development right on Penn's campus at 34th and Chestnut. At first I was somewhat skeptical, not to mention offended (I like to think my college campus is anything but "ravaged"). No worries, though, folks: I've seen the plans, and they actually look pretty cool.
On exhibit now at the Slought Foundation, Oppenheim's design is inspired by the forms taken by sound waves. Aside from the Penn-owned apartment complex, which will consist of three buildings, the plan also includes landscaping proposals. The most interesting aspect of the project is Oppenheim's inclusion of several life-size sculptures of bells, with openings large enough for people to walk through. The bells, which will stand amid grassy areas, build off his theme of a design inspired by sound.
But for Philadelphians, the bells will trigger much more -- an immediate connection to the Liberty Bell, a traditional symbol of Pennsylvania's role in America's independence. For Oppenheim enthusiasts, however, the image of the bell echoes a previous work of his entitled "Attempt to Raise Hell." In this work, a bronze statue moves back and forth, repeatedly hitting his head against a large bronze bell hanging next to him. Museum visitors hear the noise of the statue hitting the bell from another room before they actually see the exhibit. Thankfully, the new housing design project will not include any noises, although Oppenheim originally planned otherwise.
Oppenheim was one of about five artists who submitted design proposals for this site, in accordance with Philadelphia's One Percent for Art law, which states that one percent of construction costs of municipal projects must be set aside for the fine arts. This law, which was enacted in 1959, has largely contributed to Philadephia's reputation as the city with more public art than any other in America.
The construction is set for completion in 2007 and should be an aesthetically pleasing addition to the area's housing needs. Let's just hope he leaves diphtheria in New Jersey, because it's not wanted here.
