Stuart Collection at the University of California, San Diego

Sun God
The Sun God exhibit reigns in as the original artwork of the Stuart Collection. Standing upon an archway at over 30 feet tall, the massive sculpture trumps its surroundings. It contains a bright display of colors ensuring its domination over the monotonous greenery that grow nearby. It’s located in the middle of a maintained lawn in which no building or trees can challenge its’ aesthetic appeal. Gazing down with spread wings at all who pass underneath the walkway, the viewer can’t help but feel miniscule which further lends to its aura of supremacy.
The Sun God appears to have the upper body of a bird: complete with a beak, fur, and wings; but the lower-half body of a human being, having the ability to stand upright. This draws inspiration from the theme of Ancient Phoenician, Egyptian, Chinese, and Native American belief of the Phoenix. Grandiose in every way, the Phoenix was a God with the appearance of a fiery bird that the Ancients linked to immortality.
This exhibit is, for the most part, a symmetrical figure. In most cultures, symmetrical balance is a divine aspect in which the Sun God draws upon to great effect. Symmetry combined with its imposing size along with it’s bright expressive colors, it remains superior. There is little wonder why artist de Saint Phalle decided to name her artwork “Sun God.” It expresses every characteristic (scale, colors, balance) worthy of the name.

(5.0/5)