ST. LOUIS, MO.- Laumeier Sculpture Park announced the donation of Falling Man/Study (Wrapped Manscape Figure), 1984, a complex figurative work by American artist Ernest Trova (1927-2009). The life-size, stainless steel sculpture, which is based on graphic works from 1967, is a gift to Laumeier from the Estate of Grace Brod. Brod was a long-time docent and Board member, who passed away in March 2012.
“We are grateful for Grace’s generosity in leaving this important artwork to Laumeier,” said Executive Director Marilu Knode. “It is one of the most significant sculptures created by Ernest Trova and represents the culmination of his life-long exploration of the human form. Through this gift, Laumeier Sculpture Park remains an important repository of the Trova legacy.”
“Gracie was fortunate enough to be able to enjoy one of Ernest Trova's seminal pieces on the grounds of her own home and now, due to her generous gift, we can ALL enjoy this fantastic work of art at Laumeier,” said Board Member Nancy Kranzberg, who worked alongside Grace Brod as a volunteer at the Sculpture Park for many years.
Falling Man/Study (Wrapped Manscape Figure) has been installed on the east side of the Museum Circle at Laumeier. This gift will be the sixth of the Trova works currently on view in the Park, representing his experiments with geometric abstract and figurative forms.
Ernest Tino Trova was born in St. Louis in 1927. Best known for his signature series, the Falling Man, Trova considered his entire output a single “work in progress.” In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Trova was invited to exhibit in three of the Whitney Museum of America Art, New York, Annuals, three Venice Biennales and documenta 4 (1968) in Kassel, Germany. His work has been shown in major museums including the Museum of Modern Art, New York and the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. Trova was represented by Pace Gallery (New York & Boston) from 1963 to 1985, which held his first solo exhibition in April 1963. Ernest Trova gifted 40 works to St. Louis County in 1976 to help found Laumeier Sculpture Park.
Laumeier Sculpture Park is one of the leading dedicated sculpture parks in the world. Founded in 1976 and incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 1977, it is the largest visual arts organization in St. Louis County, showcasing more than 60 works of large-scale outdoor sculpture in a 105-acre County park available to the public year-round. Laumeier serves 300,000 patrons annually through exhibitions, educational programs and public events for all ages throughout the park and the indoor galleries. Laumeier Sculpture Park is open daily (except Christmas Day) from 8 a.m. to 30 minutes past sunset. The indoor Museum Galleries and Shop are open Tuesday through Friday (except legal holidays) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Annual special events at Laumeier include Art Fair, which is held over Mother’s Day weekend, and LOVEmeier, which is offered in early February. Laumeier Sculpture Park operates in partnership with St. Louis County Parks.
