HUG (2018)

Division of the Arts, LSU Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University, USA Louisiana USA

The Hug, Louisiana. Juanjo Novella
The Hug, Louisiana. Juanjo Novella

 

1ST. PRIZE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

The Hug found its accommodation at the LSU- Louisiana State University – Campus in Baton Rouge. Hug was inspired by two water oak leaves collected from the area, one from each tree and now shown in an embrace. This sculpture represents respect and recognition, a symbol of commitment to the place.

This project was 1st prize in an international competition: AMERICANS FOR THE ARTS FOUNDATION has selected HUG Novella ́s public art project as one of the best in USA in 2018

Two holm oak leaves collected at the site of the campus where the installation was to take place. With them an emotional bond is established in the creation of a hug. This sculpture serves as an icon in the UNION building. Main meeting center of the University, It also establishes a close relationship.

Because oak trees are the soul of the campus and in this case the art project site is placed between two trees. To give more strength to the symbol, the embraces occurs between two leaves belonging to each tree and hand picked by the artist. The realization of a meeting point in its substantiation in a hug is the perfect act itself. A kind of dance is given between the two tree leaves and in that act we get a salon where we can be. A reference point, a powerful milestone linked with the place in a very intimate way. The two leaves are still not touching each other, they are in a pre hug moment. This gives even more power to the element, emphasizing the movement, the wrapping action.

Public Space University
The sculpture is located outdoors among historic live oaks trees.
Louisiana State University – Student Union
Corner of South Campus and Tower Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
United States
PROJECT TEAM

Louisiana Office of Cultural Development – Division of the Arts
Louisiana Division of Administration – Office of Facility Planning and Control

Public Art Administrator:
Dana La Fonta: dlafonta@crt.la.gov
Danny Belanger: dbelanger@crt.la.gov
Louisiana Division of the Arts 
Juanjo Novella
http://www.artepublico.net
PROJECT DETAILS

Permanent

Percent-for-Art
Sculpture
Metal. Medium Steel Dimensions: 8 m x 8 m x 6 m
Made of carbon steel, quality S275JR
Year of Creation: 2018

2019

  • THE HUG (2018), Louisiana Division of the Arts. Juanjo Novella
    THE HUG (2018), Louisiana Division of the Arts. Juanjo Novella