Ruins X

Ruins X is an abstract steel sculpture located on the Marquette University campus in Milwaukee. The work features geometric forms positioned between two buildings, with its industrial materials creating strong visual contrasts against the surrounding architecture.

The sculpture was created in 1978 by American artist Ernest Carl Shaw as part of his investigation into structural forms. This work emerged during a period when artists were increasingly working with industrial materials in campus and public settings.

The sculpture represents a period of American art where artists examined the relationship between industrial materials and public spaces in urban environments.

The sculpture sits in an open campus area between two buildings and is freely accessible from outside. You can view the work at any time of day and walk around it to see different perspectives.

The steel construction demonstrates mathematical precision through its balanced proportions of 290 by 290 by 560 centimeters.

Location: Milwaukee

Inception: 1978

Creator: Ernest Carl Shaw

Made from material: steel

GPS coordinates: 43.03703,-87.92835

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:44