Nancy Margolis Gallery is excited to announce that Alfred University (Alfred, NY) has commissioned a large-scale outdoor sculpture by Swedish sculptor, Eva Hild, through the gallery. Internationally recognized for its prestigious ceramics program, Alfred selected Wave to be placed in front of its Ceramic Museum. It will be installed on Wednesday, July 10th, 2019, during a public dedication. After two years in the making, we are thrilled to see the realization of this momentous project.

Wave measures 11 x 5 x 8 feet, and is cast in aluminum and painted white. Sculpted as a single sheet of thin-walled metal, Wave's organic form twists and wraps, presenting strikingly varied views as you walk around it. While the geometry is sculpted as a single sheet, the actual metal work is constructed of 20 individual parts welded together. Although large, Wave embodies the same ethereal yet arresting characteristics of Hild's smaller, hand-built ceramic sculptures.

Nancy Margolis Gallery has represented Hild since 2005. It has been immensely rewarding to watch her career evolve and blossom during this time. Hild is the recipient of numerous grants and awards, including the Visual Art Fund grant, Special Prize at the World Ceramic Biennale (South Korea), and the Sten A. Olsson Fund for Science and Culture. In 2017 she was awarded the Prince Eugen Medal in recognition of outstanding artistic achievements, in which she was given the award by the King and Queen of Sweden.

The completion of Wave for Alfred is significant not only for the sculpture’s impressive scale, but in marking Hild’s first outdoor public commission in the United States. Previously, the artist fabricated site-specific works for institutions throughout Europe, including Sweden, Turkey, and Germany; and in 2007, she completed a commission in South Korea. The fulfillment of Wave for Alfred marks a noteworthy achievement in Hild’s career as a contemporary sculptor working on a global-scale.

This project was made possible by Alfred alumnus, Marlin Miller ‘54. A ceramics engineering major, Miller went on to become an avid collector of ceramics by international artists, including Eva Hild. Among other significant projects, his philanthropic gifts have built the Alfred Museum of Ceramic Art. We are grateful for Miller’s generosity and his sincere interest in advancing Hild’s career and reputation.

Nancy Margolis Gallery also wishes to extend its gratitude to educator and ceramicist, Wayne Higby, who was instrumental in the realization of Wave at Alfred. An Honorary Alumnus of Alfred University, Higby has been actively involved with the University since 1973. He is currently Director and Chief Curator of the Alfred Museum of Ceramic Art and a longtime member of the school’s Board of Trustees.

Eva Hild’s Wave symbolizes the possibilities that are cultivated when talent and ambition coincide. We rejoice knowing that Wave will find a home among the creative and talented community at Alfred University where it will surely inspire generations of students for years to come.

Alfred University Commissions Outdoor Sculpture by Eva Hild