For my opus I have decided to compare and contrast two unequivocal three dimensional statues: our treasured “Circle of Knowledge” and the famous “Statue of Liberty”. First we have the “Circle of Knowledge” which is located on the Mandeville campus of Northern Caribbean University (NCU), Jamaica. Presented as a gift from the graduating class of 2002 this towering 2.44meters statue, of a male and female student, was sculpted by Jamaica’s own, Basil Watson, who specialises in ‘human figure’. This monument appears to be a more contemporary style of sculpture that was cast from bonded bronze, giving it its firm gray hue. The Statue of Liberty was also a gift, a gift of friendship, from the people of France to the United States. This 93meters, colossal, pastel green statue of a woman is a neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in the middle of New York Harbour, in Manhattan. The artist responsible for this piece is Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi but Architects such as Gustave Eiffel and Richard Hunt helped with its construction. Using mediums such as copper, wrought iron and steel the construction of the statue started in September of 1875 and it opened to public viewing on October 28, 1886. Even with their extensive difference in size, the frontal exhibit of each in its own location serves as a welcoming and a reminder to its viewers.
The Circle of Knowledge was explicitly designed with NCU in mind. It embodies the values and ethos of the university. This life-size, well proportioned, slim physique, male and female student figure, looking to the sky and stretching upwards with degree and Bible in hand mirrors the idea of Christian education as the university prepares students for service to country and to God. Both figures in the piece are clothed in uniforms. The sandal on the feet of the female form is not of modern day culture but in my view may be a symbol depicting the students’ walk with Christ since Jesus was always pictured wearing sandals. Great detailing can be seen as the artist was skillful in capturing the facial features of the human forms and toes as well as slight creases in their garments. The artist also made use of lines in sculpting the outline of the female’s skirt. This allowed it to appear as if it was flowing or that of movement. The female form elevating herself on the toes of her right foot, and the male standing firmly on both feet in some way presents to me, as an observer, a sense of tranquillity and harmony.
The Statue of Liberty is of a robed female figure representing Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, who carries a torch and a tablet upon which is inscribed the date of the American Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. A distinct contrast between the two sculptures is evident here: Lady Liberty legs are covered by her robe while the lower part of the female’s leg in the Circle of Knowledge is left bare. A broken chain also lies at her feet donating freedom, a characteristic for which she is an icon. Since Lady Liberty's classic physique, face, and apparel came from the Roman goddess Libertas, it also represents freedom from domination and oppression. Her crown is a reminiscent of a halo and its spikes show similarities to those of the sun gods: the Roman Apollo, and the Greek Helios. Her right foot is raised (the right foot of the female in the Circle of knowledge is also raised) as if she is constantly on the go. Fire is symbolic of knowledge and Lady Liberty torch signifies her carrying of enlightenment to the world.
Both statues have some cultural history influencing their symbolic meaning. For the Circle of Knowledge it is one of a religious significance but for lady liberty it is more of a socio-historical importance. The Circle of Knowledge in my opinion puts in the mind of individuals the ideologies and standards that an ideal NCU student represents or should aim to achieve while the Statue of Liberty serves as a symbolic fixture of the principles America was founded on. Both sculptures contain supernatural symbolism. For Lady Liberty her supernatural symbolism comes from her image in retrospect to the Roman and Greek gods while in support of the Circle of Knowledge is the Holy Bible - our belief in a superior being, God. The Holy Bible in combination with the degree represents the impact that faith and learning can have on an individual as a whole. As we are the designers of our places of living, working, and playing we should also know that God is the Designer of all creation.
Throughout history statues have been built to represent a great moment but the Circle of Knowledge and the Statue of Liberty were built to symbolize a great belief and a nation. Apart from the fact that these two sculptures are of human figures their styles differ and they carry many different symbolic meanings. On the other hand, they both seem to be providing an abstract ideal for both parties despite the fact that they were both created in a different era - Lady Liberty in the Reconstruction era (19th century) and Circle of knowledge in the Cenozoic era (21st century), by artists of different background and for two unrelated events and or reasons. To conclude, both sculptures reflect the cultures by which they were predisposed and each focuses on dissimilar aspects of the phase of life. One concentrates on a belief or type, the other on historical events. Stylistically, they both show elements of naturalism and idealism.