Merging downtown Lincoln to the huge campus of UNL is a structure over 20 feet tall that rises above the horizon. Designed by the artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, this structure is known as the “Torn Notebook”.
It’s so named for its aluminum pages that appear torn down the middle, which are connected to a silver spiral that is bent and curved almost imitating a Nebraska tornado. The back cover of the notebook is painted black as a contrast. Random words including such things as corn, barbwire, goose, wind clouds, buffalo, grasses, and cranes all represent parts of Nebraska culture and heritage. At varying times of the day, the constantly changing shadows cast different shapes and words onto the ground making it even more interesting and appealing. Two aluminum pages are scattered in front of the main sculpture to accentuate the idea that the notebook is blowing in the strong Nebraska winds. Surrounding this man-made and unnatural sculpture is green grass, which makes the piece the focal point of the garden.
From a distance, it’s hard to tell what this monstrosity is. It almost appears as a bird going into flight, which also reflects the Nebraska theme of nature. A lot of the aspects of the “Torn Notebook” reflect nature even though the piece is completely made of aluminum and steel, which contradicts nature.
All around the art work is a hub-bub of activity; students bustling around from UNL, community members going to and from work, cars and buses driving by, or visitors just enjoying a nice walk or shopping experience downtown and in the Hay Market. The sculpture embodies all of the aspects of the Lincoln community; from the social aspect, to the culture, and the physical environment. It’s truly a work of beauty and something for everyone to have pride in.
It’s so named for its aluminum pages that appear torn down the middle, which are connected to a silver spiral that is bent and curved almost imitating a Nebraska tornado. The back cover of the notebook is painted black as a contrast. Random words including such things as corn, barbwire, goose, wind clouds, buffalo, grasses, and cranes all represent parts of Nebraska culture and heritage. At varying times of the day, the constantly changing shadows cast different shapes and words onto the ground making it even more interesting and appealing. Two aluminum pages are scattered in front of the main sculpture to accentuate the idea that the notebook is blowing in the strong Nebraska winds. Surrounding this man-made and unnatural sculpture is green grass, which makes the piece the focal point of the garden.From a distance, it’s hard to tell what this monstrosity is. It almost appears as a bird going into flight, which also reflects the Nebraska theme of nature. A lot of the aspects of the “Torn Notebook” reflect nature even though the piece is completely made of aluminum and steel, which contradicts nature.
All around the art work is a hub-bub of activity; students bustling around from UNL, community members going to and from work, cars and buses driving by, or visitors just enjoying a nice walk or shopping experience downtown and in the Hay Market. The sculpture embodies all of the aspects of the Lincoln community; from the social aspect, to the culture, and the physical environment. It’s truly a work of beauty and something for everyone to have pride in.
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