Mirek Struzik and his interpreter Jakub Skowron discuss Struzik’s sculpture at the Forest Green Branch Library. Photography by Syra Castillo.
Standing tall underneath the canopy of trees adorning the entrance of the Forest Green Branch Library is Polish artist Mirek Struzik’s latest sculpture, Fruits of Knowledge. Unveiled Thursday, Aug. 20, Fruits of Knowledge is the first sculpture dedication in District 10.
Struzik, a Polish artist known for creating large-scale steel sculptures, has exhibited his work internationally. His work often incorporates light and technology, combining traditional sculpture with modern elements.
Inspired by the Tree of Knowledge in the Bible, Struzik said his intention for the sculpture is to remind visitors of the multiplication and spread of knowledge.
“An important aspect that this sculpture touches is the aspect of multiplication and entering the library and symbolically taking the fruits of knowledge outside from the library,” Struzik said through his translator, Jakub Skowron. “You can see the tree inside and you will see that it’s mirrored in the glass surfaces of the window. [The tree] becomes a carrier of information.”
The sculpture is equipped with programmable LED and RGB lighting systems, which transform the steel tree into an illuminated, colorful tree.
When asked by the Advocate why Struzik believes Fruits of Knowledge was the best fit for the Forest Green Branch Library, he returned to his childhood.
“I grew up in times when a library was the only source of knowledge that we could find,” Struzik said. “Nowadays, libraries hold much more than just books, they are a source of knowledge and inspiration for all of us.”
Building on his admiration for libraries, Struzik and his team have partnered with the City of Dallas to coordinate a writing and visual youth art contest. Young artists will be asked to respond to the piece with their own creative content. More information about the art contest, including participation details and dates, will be announced at a later time.
Also in attendance was Sylvia Bodell, the City of Dallas Arts & Culture Commissioner for District 10.
“To me, this permanent new art installation is the capstone of the work of the late Karen Blumenthal, our neighbor and friend, who championed this library,” Bodell said. “As a passionate lifelong learner, editor and author, I’m sure she would approve of the title of this art — Fruits of Knowledge.”
As visitors enter the library, Fruits of Knowledge will serve as a reminder that knowledge, like the branches of a tree, continues to grow and spread.
