Field of Corn

Field of Corn sculpture - DPLA - c3809d28b75470f0b6897e73e0ae25f7 (page 6)

Field of Corn is a public art installation located in Dublin, Ohio, United States. This unique outdoor sculpture park, officially titled "Field of Corn (with Osage Oranges)," was created by artist Malcolm Cochran. It was commissioned by the Dublin Arts Council and completed in 1994. The installation is a significant example of site-specific art and is often cited in discussions of public art and its role in community identity and landscape.

Description

The Field of Corn consists of 109 concrete ears of corn, each standing over six feet tall, arranged in rows on a field that spans a little over an acre. The sculptures are modeled after a variety of corn called "Corn Belt Dent Corn" and are painted in a lifelike manner, complete with husks. Surrounding the field are Osage orange trees, which are part of the installation and contribute to its conceptual framing.

Concept and Interpretation

The installation is a tribute to the agricultural heritage of the area, which was predominantly farmland before its development into a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. Cochran's work is a reminder of the land's history and a commentary on the transformation of the landscape due to urbanization. The Field of Corn is often interpreted as a statement on the tension between nature and human development, as well as a celebration of the region's agricultural past.

Reception

Since its unveiling, Field of Corn has elicited mixed reactions from the public and critics alike. Some view it as a whimsical and poignant reminder of the area's history, while others have criticized it for its perceived lack of aesthetic appeal. Despite these differing opinions, the installation has become an iconic landmark in Dublin and a popular subject for photographers and tourists.

Location and Accessibility

The Field of Corn is located in Sam and Eulalia Frantz Park, named after the couple who previously owned the land. The park is open to the public year-round, and there is no admission fee to view the installation. Its accessibility and visibility from the road have made it an easily recognizable feature of the local landscape.

Legacy

The Field of Corn has played a significant role in shaping Dublin's identity as a city that values public art. It has inspired other public art projects in the area and has contributed to Dublin's reputation as a community supportive of the arts. The installation is a testament to the power of public art to provoke discussion, commemorate history, and enrich the cultural landscape of a community.