Lifetime Achievements in Sculpture, a Celebration of Sculptural Artistry

In a continuing partnership with the International Sculpture Center, KANEKO presents a collection of globally-recognized works by monumental sculptural artists. This exhibit strives to illuminate each artist’s creative process as well as the craft and perseverance needed to master their materials and convey meaning in their sculptural work. 

Monumental Works is an extension of the ISC’s littleSCULPTURE Show and Art Sale that opened FORM in October 2021, alongside an exhibit of great works by 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award winner Jun Kaneko. By featuring other ISC Lifetime Achievement Award winners, this new FORM exhibit enhances the historical impact and cultural significance of sculpture, and also allows for a continuation of this conversation in relation to the development of a new sculpture project in Omaha’s revitalized Gene Leahy Mall.

Page Photo: James Surls “Walking Flower Times the Power of Five ”, 2010, Steel, 14’5” x 14’5” x 5’5” Photographed outside James Surls Colorado studio by Robert Millman

Featured Artists for this Exhibit: 

This exhibit will include assorted works by legendary artists: Fletcher Benton, Richard Hunt, Jun Kaneko, Phillip King, William King, Manuel Neri, Arnoldo Pomodoro, Ursula Von Rydingsvard, Kiki Smith, James Surls, William G. Tucker, and Bernar Venet.

ATTENTION: Member’s First-Look Event (January 14th) has been canceled: Out of an abundance of caution in light of the recent spike in COVID cases, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this event. The public opening of this exhibit remains on January 15th during normal gallery hours.

Community Impact in Omaha:

A plan is to place five large sculptures in the revitalized Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront. In a partnership between the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA), KANEKO, and the International Sculpture Center, this plan will secure significant sculptures for the Gene Leahy Mall Sculpture Garden beginning in May 2022 for three years. During these three years, KANEKO will develop and curate complimentary exhibits for each of the five sculptures featured at The RiverFront. In addition, in coordination with KANEKO, MECA will plan activations around the five Gene Leahy Mall sculpture works.

We see this initial exhibit, Monumental Works, as connective tissue between KANEKO’s celebration of the ISC Lifetime Achievement Award in autumn of 2021, the development of this park project, and a more extensive commitment to bring monumental sculptural work of marked significance to the Omaha community.

COVID Contingency Plan: If we feel that there are significant health and safety concerns, we reserve the right to postpone (ideally) or cancel (unfortunately) any event.