Texas State University has unveiled a new marble sculpture, Minerva, created by renowned artist Adam Parker Smith. The sculpture is located in front of the J.C. Kellam Building on the San Marcos Campus.

Smith’s Minerva reimagines the classical figure of the Roman goddess of wisdom, known for her association with the owl, symbolizing knowledge. In a striking departure from traditional depictions, Smith’s interpretation compresses the classical figure and her symbolic owl into a rigid cube, prompting reflection on how the public views and engage with historical art forms.

This installation is part of Smith’s larger, multi-year body of work that brings elements of classical antiquity into conversation with modernist aesthetics. To bring Minerva to life, Smith collaborated with researchers at world-renowned institutions such as the Uffizi Gallery to create a detailed 3D model. From this digital rendering, master carvers in Italy began sculpting the piece from Carrara marble, blending robotic precision with fine hand-finishing techniques.

Smith, a New York-based artist, has exhibited his work both nationally and internationally. His installations have been featured in prestigious venues such as the Brooklyn Museum, Marlborough Gallery in London and the Maraya Art Centre in the United Arab Emirates. Through his innovative approach, Smith continues to challenge and expand the boundaries of contemporary art.

The installation was made possible through the Texas State University System (TSUS) rule dedicating 1% of major construction project budgets to the acquisition of museum-quality public art for each of its seven member institutions.

Smith will share more information about the creation of Minerva at an interactive artist reception on November 7, 2024.