Argo (Liberman)

"Argo" a striking public sculpture by Russian-American artist Alexander Liberman, stands proudly on the south lawn of the Milwaukee Art Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Created in 1974, this remarkable piece is crafted from steel cylinders coated with a reflective white epoxy finish. Measuring 15 feet in height and 31 feet in width, "Argo" makes a bold and unforgettable statement.

The sculpture originally debuted as part of an outdoor exhibition in Newport, Rhode Island. It later found a permanent home at the Milwaukee Art Museum, thanks to the generous purchase by Mrs. Harry Lynde Bradley.

"Argo's" design, characterized by its white circles and cylinders, beautifully complements the museum's architecture. When viewed from the west, the sculpture even appears to float on water, enhancing its visual allure. The name "Argo" draws inspiration from the legendary ship of Greek mythology, symbolizing heroic journeys—a fitting tribute to Liberman's artistic vision.

This piece is a prime example of Liberman's 1970s style, marked by monumental geometric forms and an interplay of positive and negative spaces. "Argo" not only holds historical significance from its initial display in Newport but also enhances the Milwaukee Art Museum building, a project largely funded by the Bradley family.