THREE SISTERS

A Word from the Artist:

The act of taking on an extended education – while exciting – still often brings with it a certain sense of apprehension… a bit of unease. Such independent new adventures can also feel solitary and irresolute. To counter the trepidation felt by many who pursue the next chapter in their educational journey, I offer up to students at Anoka-Ramsey some guides… some familiar companions to steady their fears and illuminate their paths. 

These reverent sentinels are working-class forms of straightforward design, with a street-level scale and non-imposing stance that seeks to join in the movement of the public rather than to oversee it. Approachable by a wide and diverse swath of population, they encourage visual conversation with the public on a daily basis whilst serving as colorful wayfinding icons, day or night.

Through a veil of “familiar” mystery, interpretations will be varied – but personal. One student might see these as flowing tributes to a life along a river where knowledge of the natural world holds a more prominent sway. Another might perceive figurative elements in the process of travel as they carry objects vital to their daily existence. A third might view them as points of enlightenment acting as wayfinding beacons. Yet what all will feel is the emoted hope, confidence and illumination in their shapes and forms as they carry larger, heavier items, yet still maintain strength and momentum in their posture – forward-moving and upright.


         — Karl Unnasch, Creator of THREE SISTERS