Teha by Mark di Suvero (United States, b. 1933)

Mark di Suvero 
(United States, b. 1933)
Teha, 1971
Unpainted and painted steel
Gift of the Beaumont Foundation
On long-term loan from Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Leadership support for the South Coast Botanic Garden Sculpture Collection was provided by Marilyn Long and Long Family Foundation

For Information Seekers

Mark di Suvero was born in Shanghai, China, in 1933.  At the time of this writing, he is 90 years old living in New York. Mark immigrated to the United States when he was just 7 years old. He received a BA in Philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley. As a young man, he was a part-time construction worker where he learned techniques to create his art. While his early work was this wood, he is a pioneer in the use of steel, creating architectural-scale sculptures. He often used objects from construction sites and salvage yards for his work. He wants his artwork to be accessible for ALL, especially to people who don’t regularly visit museums or galleries.  Much like the Garden was created to be a place for ALL atop an old landfill, Mark di Suvero created Socrates Sculpture Park in New York. This site is an abandoned riverside landfill along the East River in Queens. He transformed the 4.5 acre parcel into an open studio and exhibition space.

The Planting’s Inspiration

Tag You’re It Ideas

Stand back from the piece and raise your hands to make it look like you are hanging from the sculpture. Can you create a scene where all your friends fit below it? Take your photo and tag us!