Arts visual arts

MIT’s nomadic sculpture

Retrospective on I am Mit

By Grace Young Apr. 19, 2013

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The sculpture rested in the second floor lobby of the Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences Department.
Tim Lloyd
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Matthew S. Humbert G (left) and Michael J. Tarkanian (right) stand by the sculpture in a material science lab.
Mark Linga
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In the Hayden Library.
Tim Lloyd
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History, Theory, and Criticism of Art and Architecture students pose with the sculpture in their department offices.
Courtney Klemens
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List Visual Arts Center preparatory John Buck installs the sculpture looking over the Media Lab atrium.
Courtney Klemens

Each week, for the past seven weeks, a sculpture titled “I am Mit, as I am in Mit, just like a lot of other people are” by Amalia Pica has been traveling to various places on campus, hosted by different members of the community. The 30-pound pink granite sculpture, hand-carved by Pica, is shaped like an Echevaria plant, which is known for its ability to thrive in nearly any condition.

Previously the piece traveled around the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, and was titled “I am Tower of Hamlets, as I am in Tower of Hamlets, just like a lot of other people are.” Pica changes the title for every new exhibit. It was a mystery what she would name the piece during its tenure at MIT until it was unveiled at her exhibit opening at the List Visual Arts Center in February.

The piece explores concepts of collective memory, participatory art, and interventions into public space — all themes of Pica’s solo-exhibition at the List.