Leonardo Drew

Number 381 (2023) at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
May 3, 2024
  • Galerie Lelong & Co., New York is pleased to announce the installation of Leonardo Drew's Number 381 (2023) at Miami...
    © Leonardo Drew 2023. Photo: Scott Kissell, Miami University.

    Galerie Lelong & Co., New York is pleased to announce the installation of Leonardo Drew's Number 381 (2023) at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, marking the artist's first permanent outdoor installation. The university celebrated the installation with a dedication ceremony on the afternoon of May 2 on the plaza between Hillcrest Hall and Young Hall on Western campus, where the piece will reside.

    Number 381 is the artist's first bronze sculpture intended as permanent outdoor public art. There is nothing like the first time, Drew said, recalling his reaction to viewing the work of Jackson Pollock and how it challenged and changed his trajectory. “It was a moment very similar to this moment, in that a door was opened and the possibilities are endless,” Drew said.

    “Leonardo Drew has been doing some quite ambitious work in recent years,” said Jack Green, director and chief curator of Miami’s art museum. “This is a new direction and a new medium for him to work in.”

  • “In contrast to the experience of viewing art within an art museum space, this installation provides a way to experience...
    © Leonardo Drew 2023. Photo: Scott Kissell, Miami University.

    “In contrast to the experience of viewing art within an art museum space, this installation provides a way to experience art within an outdoor, open environment,” Green said. “It’s an important part of any great university campus to share and make art available to students and the general public. It’s really for everyone.”

    Number 381 is the fourth sculpture donated by alumnus Tom Smith ’50. Smith previously served on the Miami University Foundation Board and supports the popular JANUS Forum, which provides a place for members of the community to come together and discuss opposing views freely and passionately. Heidi McWilliams of McWilliams Art Advisory worked alongside Drew to bring the sculpture to campus.  In remarks from Drew: “Many thanks to Miami University, Tom Smith, and Heidi McWilliams for their belief and bravery to explore the unknown with me.”

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