The University of Birmingham has unveiled a new sculpture on campus, and it’s safe to say it doesn’t seem to have gone down well with students.
The “Red Stack” is described by the university as “a striking four metre high bright red tower of pillows”, erected to mark the uni’s 125th anniversary.
The piece of art was designed by Dubai-based artist Shaikha Al Mazrou, an Emirati sculptor known for her bold works.
According to the university, Mazrou’s works “explore tension, balance, and materiality” and invite “intrigue and debate”.
When the installation appeared on campus, vice-chancellor Adam Tickell said: “We look forward to hearing what people think about this exciting new addition.”
However, the sculpture doesn’t seem to have resonated with students in the way the university had hoped.
When Birmingham Uni posted the sculpture on Instagram one student asked: “Is this where our nine grand went”? Another added: “Would’ve preferred lower uni costs or more tables in the library”.
According to the University of Birmingham, “funding was made possible by donations from alumni and other generous supporters”, as part of the endowment fund for its 125th anniversary celebrations.
The statue is placed next to the iconic Old Joe, and this choice has stirred further controversy surrounding Edgbaston campus’s newest arrival.
One user who replied to the uni’s Instagram post feels particularly “upset” about “Old Joe’s beauty being ruined”. They went on to call the “Red Stack” “the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen in my life”.
Another commenter remarked: “It was too nice and green by Old Joe I was literally saying yesterday how much better it would be if there was a giant red pile of pillows right there, this is such a great use of money.”
via Greg Milner Studio and The University of Birmingham
Whilst the sculpture is meant to be a nod to the institution’s status as one of the first UK red brick universities, one Instagram user argued the art represents “the giant disconnect between university leadership and the student body”. They further labeled it “a garish symbol”.
According to the university, the sculpture’s selection was informed by a large-scale public consultation which included students, arts professionals and campus planning experts.
Despite the initial negative reaction, the university is hopeful the “Red Stack” “will be where future graduation and dissertation photos could be taken” and asked students to tag them in their pictures.
Speaking to The Birmingham Tab, a University of Birmingham spokesperson said: “Public art has always sparked debate, and Red Stack is no different.
The artist, Shaikha Al Mazrou said: “Art, and especially public sculpture, naturally invites a wide range of responses, and Red Stack is no exception. The work is intended as a universal gesture of construction, learning, and development, rather than a reference to any specific historical or fictional figure.
“I understand that public art often sparks debate, and while not every comment will be positive, I believe in the importance of these conversations. I am truly honoured to have my work installed on the storied grounds of the University of Birmingham, and I hope it continues to engage students and visitors in meaningful ways.”
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Featured images via @unibirmingham on Instagram and Unsplash
