Epicenter

Epicenter is a metal sculpture that rises in geometric shapes from the ground, creating strong visual lines. The structure angles in different directions, forming a composition that changes appearance depending on your viewing position.

Artist Ernest Carl Shaw completed this work in 1976, when public art installations were gaining importance throughout Milwaukee. The sculpture emerged during a period when gardens and cultural venues were increasingly displaying contemporary metal works.

The sculpture sits within a collection of artworks that show how contemporary artists use outdoor spaces to express ideas. Visitors can see how the metal forms interact with trees and open lawns around it.

The best way to see this sculpture is to walk the pathways around the garden area and view it from different angles. Wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds are designed for walking and exploring multiple artworks throughout the space.

The sculpture is positioned in a way that casts shadows on the ground at certain times of day, creating interesting patterns. These shifting shadows give the work an extra dimension and make each visit feel slightly different depending on the light.

Location: Milwaukee

Inception: 1976

Creator: Ernest Carl Shaw

GPS coordinates: 43.17581,-87.93578

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:45