Found: goddess
Location: Atrium, Molecular Biology Bldg, Iowa State University
Artist: Andrew Lelcaster
Ceramic Sculptor: David Dahlquist
Title: Forbidden Fruit, 1992
Medium: Terra Cotta
At the base of the staircase stands the sculpture, Forbidden Fruit. This female figure recalls the pose and symbolism of ancient goddesses. Many goddess figures hold snakes in their outstretched arms. Snakes symbolize the powers of regeneration since they shed their skin. Instead of holding snakes in each hand, however, Lelcaster’s sculpture holds strands of DNA that she has pulled apart. In a sense, she is giving birth since DNA holds the key of life and reproduces by splitting. The goddess is wearing a metal contamination suit similar to those used in some scientific experiments. Her brain is exposed through the top of the helmet and from these roots the phylogenetic tree extends its branches
Collection: This public work of art is in the Art on Campus Collection, University Museum, Iowa State University
Funding: Iowa Art in State Buildings Program
Artist: Andrew Lelcaster
Ceramic Sculptor: David Dahlquist
Title: Forbidden Fruit, 1992
Medium: Terra Cotta
At the base of the staircase stands the sculpture, Forbidden Fruit. This female figure recalls the pose and symbolism of ancient goddesses. Many goddess figures hold snakes in their outstretched arms. Snakes symbolize the powers of regeneration since they shed their skin. Instead of holding snakes in each hand, however, Lelcaster’s sculpture holds strands of DNA that she has pulled apart. In a sense, she is giving birth since DNA holds the key of life and reproduces by splitting. The goddess is wearing a metal contamination suit similar to those used in some scientific experiments. Her brain is exposed through the top of the helmet and from these roots the phylogenetic tree extends its branches
Collection: This public work of art is in the Art on Campus Collection, University Museum, Iowa State University
Funding: Iowa Art in State Buildings Program