Science and Art

The Via Solaris sculpture located outside Stalker Hall may appear to most students to be just another piece of art. However, this unique structure is influenced as much by science as it is by art. The Via Solaris was built on September 16, 2007 by New York artist John Van Alstine. The sculpture is twenty feet tall and made of bronze and steel. But if one were to go up to the sculpture and read the writing engraved at the base, one would learn that the Via Solaris is actually a calendar. The sculpture measures sun spots. If anyone is interested in how it works, the writing engraved at the base also provides instruction on its use. This interesting addition to ISU is a perfect example of why it is important to really examine a work of art. Many students walk by the Via Solaris in an apathetic trance. Hopefully, more students will not only take the time to look at this structure, but also learn to use it as well.