Mother and Child

Abbot Pattison

Mother and Child

1953

White Marble

Next to Fine Arts building

A sense of curiosity comes from the relatively unknown concept of this piece. Does the piece represent Patinson and his own mother? Does it represent some unknown time of Patinson’s life? Or does the sculpture create its own meaning for each person who views it?

This work of abstract art was created by Abbott Pattinson during his time as a visiting artist at UGA. Pattinson came to UGA in 1953 and created outdoor murals, allowing students to view his techniques as he worked. Many of his works are still on public display throughout Chicago, in the Whitney Museum in New York, the Museum of the Israeli State in Jerusalem, and even in Buckingham Palace.

Not much is known about the meaning behind this work, but it is known that Pattinson had a strong relationship with his mother who encouraged him to pursue art and helped send him to the Art Institute of Chicago at the age of 10.. Pattinson specifically used this piece as a way to showcase his artistic purpose of individualism in his work, while keeping reverence for the artists that came before him to the students and faculty at UGA. As the visiting sculptor, he wanted everyone to see what tools, materials, and techniques he used in his work.

Activity:

• Look at all four sides of the piece and think about what the form of the piece represents.

• Now visit the link attached below that discusses Pattinson’s background and read the short biography.

• Look at all 4 sides of the piece again. Now that you know his background, what do you think Pattinson meant in the form of the piece?

https://arts.uchicago.edu/public-art-campus/browse-artist/abbott-pattison