Today@Sam Article

New Artwork Installed At SHSU Recreation Center

Aug. 14, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Emilee White

Artist Nic Nicosia next to his sculpture titled, "a big thank you."A figurative sculpture created by Dallas artist Nic Nicosia was recently installed at Sam Houston State University as part of the school’s Recreation Center expansion project. Titled “a big thank you,” the sculpture stands as a welcoming piece for visitors at the front of SHSU’s recreation building. This was made possible through the Texas State University System (TSUS) rule dedicating one percent of major construction project budgets to the acquisition of museum-quality public art for each member's campus.

“It's great to have a piece up for the public outdoors,” Nicosia said. “When it comes to sculptures, the more the merrier and people get to see it.”

Nicosia envisioned the 10-foot, 800-pound bronze sculpture to represent the theatrical elements of sports. He hopes that this piece, with the stance and posture designed to be human-like, will help the audience experience the emotions that come with the grace, strength, beauty of motion and performance of an athlete. To Nicosia, “it’s an act of gratitude.”

His career in making sculptures began almost two decades ago, but Nicosia was known long before for his work in film and photography. During the “Pictures Generation”, the movement of staged photography that began in the 1970s, Nicosia grew in prominence and is widely considered a pioneer in the movement.

Additionally, Nicosia is known for including numbers into his craft, either as titles or points of reference. This is seen in his earlier works like the photograph series Domestic Dramas (1982) and Real Pictures (1987-89), and this particular style carried on in his lengthy career. Now with one of his pieces proudly displayed at SHSU, Nicosia is just excited to see his work come to life.

“To make my casts and then see the piece much bigger is always really cool for me,” he said.

- END -

This page maintained by SHSU's Communications Office:

Director of Content Communications: Emily Binetti

Asst. Director Content & Social Media: Emilee White

Communications Manager: Mikah Boyd
Telephone: 936.294.1837

Communications Specialist: Campbell Atkins
Telephone: 936.294.2638

Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu