Funky Bones

"Funky Bones" is a captivating public artwork created by the Dutch artist collective Atelier Van Lieshout, under the leadership of Joep van Lieshout. This intriguing installation can be found in the 100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park at Newfields in Indianapolis, Indiana. Comprised of twenty benches shaped like bones, crafted from fiberglass, plywood, and concrete, the piece features black bone drawings that collectively form a stylized human skeleton.

Installed in May 2010 at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, "Funky Bones" is currently on temporary loan. Joep van Lieshout's creation reflects his fascination with human anatomy, the history of the site, and Native American culture. He designed it to function not only as a space for sitting, picnicking, and social interaction but also as a symbolic homage to Native American heritage.

Atelier Van Lieshout (AVL) is renowned for its contemporary art, design, and architecture. The founder, Joep van Lieshout, studied art and design in the Netherlands and France. AVL's works frequently explore themes such as self-sufficiency, power, politics, and the life-death cycle. For "Funky Bones" AVL delved into ideas of domestication, politics, and the re-contextualization of everyday objects.

To maintain its pristine white appearance, the artwork requires regular cleaning, and experts conduct instrumental analysis to monitor its color and gloss levels. "Funky Bones" even made its way into popular culture, appearing in John Green's novel "The Fault in Our Stars" where it serves as a romantic picnic spot in Indianapolis. The sculpture was also recreated in Pittsburgh for the film adaptation of the book.