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Looks like a tangled tower of scrap in front of a drug store parking lot. Out of scale and disconnected from the character of the neighborhood. Some people may like it, but I’m guessing not many. How does this make you feel when you look at it? Most people really don’t like this kind of art, and shouldn’t to have to look at it everyday. Why not reflect a more democratic sense of taste? Surely we can do better.
Art is subjective, Paul. You are entitled to your opinion. But Jason Myers is one of the most talented and accomplished Indiana artists around. I, for one, am very excited for this installation. I think it highlights many peoples’ interest in returning Broad Ripple to its former glory as one of the city’s arts districts. Kudos to Tag, The Birge Family Foundation and BRVA for making this happen.
What would you prefer?…
The Colossus of Rhodes?
well, yes, if we could…or even the Eiffel Tower from the Swimming Competition. Art is subjective, but I seldom envision a recycling center when I contemplate the nature of art…
I never fail to be amazed at the divergence between what I and most others see as artistic and the thoughts of many “artists”. I just spend a few hours in an art museum in Chicago, with an extended stop in the Modern Art collection, and the gulf between the old European and American masters, and what hangs on the walls in a Modern Art Museum. It’s self expression, no doubt. But I wonder if 100 years from now, it will be deemed “art” as we now deem those earlier Masters.
Not a single person who lives in Broad Ripple that I have talked with either likes or wants this sculpture. Amazing how things like this happen against the will of the local community.
Im sure not a single person who lives in BR that you spoke to on the matter paid once cent for this sculpture. Not saying just cause you didn’t pay for something that you shouldn’t have an opinion but more so the irrelevance of that opinion….
If its public art, on display at a public intersection, then it doesn’t matter if its paid for by everyone or just a local real estate magnate. if its on public property, then the public has the right to voice an opinion. If Mr. Birge wishes to purchase this sculpture for his front yard, or that of an office building he owns, that would be his right. But the public gets to opine on public sculptures on public land.
Remember the initial reactions to “Ann Dancing”? To the Tom Otterness bronzes downtown? Now they’re embraced as much-loved elements of the landscape. Public art is supposed to generate conversation and challenge attitudes. Mission accomplished and its not even installed. This piece will likely become a landmark for Broad Ripple and the city.
+1
LOL – Sure, but car wrecks and poop on the sidewalk also generate conversation. That doesn’t mean we should make them happen purpose just for the heck of it. Public art should beautify and uplift a community not filthy it. If you want provocation, stay home and go on line for that, but please don’t foist that upon the rest of us – let us have something nice for a change. We can do better than this and so we should.
The reactions to Ann Dancing were not negative. And I don’t think people’s opinions have changed on the bronzes. Regardless, “people are wrong to dislike this piece of art because people were wrong about some other thing” is pretty weak. It’s basically “all art is good because Salon des Refusés”.
I imagine those complaining about this are the same type to deride BR for no longer being a Village and losing its charm (the same complaint they’ve been making for 20+ years).
I’m excited to see this come to fruition, and glad that BRVA, Indy Arts Center, and the Birge Family made it possible.
Nothing like incongruent visual discord to highlight the alcoholic, gun-centric nature of contemporary BR.
Gun-centric. 😂 You obviously haven’t been to Broad Ripple lately. But go ahead and stay in Fishers. Ripple will be just fine.
Safest entertainment district in Marion County per IMPD.
If you see meaningless, crap art going up like this in your neighborhood – run. Everything you love is about to close. Welcome craft breweries and gourmet gluten free dog toy stores
At this point I’d love those businesses to come in. It’s better than all the empty storefronts that are there now.
Carmel has cornered that market after so much roundabout “art”, or the most awful painted bronze “hallmark” statues.
Fugly.
No. No. No. And, No!
This is a ridiculous, unwarming, “spectacle”, and visually assaulting.
BRip is getting happy again… This does not reflect the spirit of the village!!
Looks like we’ll see how it works.?
Maybe Jason has finally found his art of choice, he always wanted to be famous.
The name Gavin is certainly not very becoming, and divergence is a trendy artsy term. If the abstraction is actually a White Hawk and shows as such, then it could be distinctive?
New “edgy” title to match this piece: Junk On a Stick
Good lord that’s bad “art”.
Perhaps the critics prefer a gold statue of Donald Trump. Maybe one where he is portrayed as the pope? Or a super-hero? The possibilities are endless.
I’m not in favor of this particular design, but that doesn’t mean I want to see a Trump statute. Or a Mike Pence. I’d rather see a limestone duck…a symbol of Broad Ripple for many years…Or a roller coaster, harking back to when Broad Ripple was a summer vacation spot for the citizens of Indianapolis traveling from downtown to the rural countryside. The metal may already be there, just needs to be re fashioed a bit…Or the front face of a locomotive again in limestone (the quintessentially Hoosier stone)…remembering the old engine Nickel Plate 587 (yeah, I had to look up the number, I thought it was just 57) that was in BR Park for years…
We can always count on Brent for his TDS commentary.
go back in your hole
I like Timothy S. thinking.
Maybe a “welcoming” outstretched arm would appease the offended?
Looks awesome! Aboslutely love to see a bold project like this, especially in Broad Ripple. I can’t wait to see it.
Have lived in the Broad Ripple area for 30 years. I’ve seen firsthand how the neighborhood has evolved — sometimes for better, sometimes not. Large corporations have left and there are more empty storefronts to fill. But this article gave me hope. The installation of a bold, 30-foot public sculpture by a respected Indiana artist is exactly the kind of forward momentum the area needs.
This isn’t about forcing taste on the public; it’s about investing in the future of a community that was once one of Indy’s cultural gems. We don’t get to reclaim that energy by playing it safe. Kudos to the BRVA, the Birge Family, and everyone who is bringing this vision to life. I hope it’s just the beginning of a new chapter for Broad Ripple!
Any time something new is planned for a beloved neighborhood, there are bound to be mixed opinions. GAVIN – Divergence is sparking conversation and that’s exactly what powerful public art should do. As a millennial, I’m excited, public art brings energy, boosts property values, and drives growth by attracting visitors and supporting local businesses.
Myers is an internationally acclaimed artist with over 30 permanent collections including Newfields and the Indianapolis Art Museum. Crafted from recycled steel and industrial materials, the piece is meant to embody values like creativity, diversity, and connection. Whether you’ll see bold beauty or something unexpected, the conversation it invites is part of the impact.
The LED-lit monumental art sculpture by Indiana native Jason Myers will be located at the intersection of the Monon Trail, the canal greenway, and the heart of Broad Ripple Village. It’s more than just a future landmark; it’s designed to reflect the neighborhood’s creative spirit and cultural identity.
GAVIN – Divergence is a homegrown effort by the Birge Family Foundation, with support from the BRVA, Indy Art Center, and The Penrod Society. It’s an investment in the future of Broad Ripple and a new chapter for public art in Indianapolis.
Watch the story: getindiana.com/news/broad-ripple-new-art
Learn more: JasonMyersArt.com/Gavin-Sculpture-Series
I’m in my early thirties and live in Broad Ripple, and I could not be more excited about this project. As someone who recently moved to Flower Alley, I have seen and appreciated firsthand the impact community art makes on a neighborhood and the power community art has to bring people together. I applaud the Birge Family Foundation for making an incredibly generous investment in our Broad Ripple community, and I cannot wait to see the transformation the Gavin-Divergence project brings!