Wind Torn

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

Wind Torn was created in 1994 by West Virginia native Joe Moss. The painted steel work was donated to the Clay Center for the Performing Arts by former governor Gaston Caperton in 2013. Wind Torn is a simple abstract composition mirrored down the center. The deceptively organic nature of the work is marred by the perfectly flipped symmetry which transforms as a viewer circles the work. Moss taught at West Virginia University for many years before moving to Delaware and establishing himself as an eminent educator and sculptor.

Images

Wind Torn.

Architecture, Urban design, Facade, Lawn

From left to right, Jeff Fetty, former Governor Gaston Caperton, and Joe Moss. Fetty is a local artist who helped Moss paint and transport the work.

Sources

Casto, James E. 'West Virginia Moon' sparked controversy statewide in '63, The Herald-Dispatch. September 5th 2013. Accessed December 14th 2020. https://www.herald-dispatch.com/features_entertainment/west-virginia-moon-sparked-controversy-statewide-in-63/article_c0bd7d65-c685-5d47-917e-cf4f245ed244.html.

Hamilton, Judy. Sculptor Moss returns for Clay Center unveiling, Charleston Gazette-Mail. August 17th 2013. Accessed December 14th 2020. https://www.wvgazettemail.com/arts__entertainment/sculptor-moss-returns-for-clay-center-unveiling/article_c7fc5168-c157-5549-83ed-14d07669705b.html.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Office of Public Art, Charleston WV. Accessed December 14, 2020. https://gisweb.cityofcharleston.org/storymaps/arttour/#.

Ellis, Chip. 2013. Charleston Gazette-Mail. Accessed December 14, 2020. https://www.wvgazettemail.com/arts__entertainment/sculptor-moss-returns-for-clay-center-unveiling/article_c7fc5168-c157-5549-83ed-14d07669705b.html.

Additional Information

Clay Center for the Performing Arts