Trigger 4, Steel sculpture at Reed College in Portland, United States
Trigger 4 is a steel sculpture on the Reed College campus made from angular metal forms connected by geometric lines. The Cor-Ten steel piece displays characteristic rust-toned colors and defines the space in front of the Studio Art Building.
Lee Kelly created this sculpture in 1979 while working as a visiting professor at Reed College. The work comes from a period of intense artistic activity and demonstrates Kelly's engagement with geometric forms and modern materials.
The geometric form invites different interpretations, and visitors sometimes recognize a Chinese character, a horse, or an abstract composition in its shape. This openness allows each person to develop their own understanding when they encounter the piece.
The sculpture sits in front of the Studio Art Building on campus and is easy to reach from outside. The artist's signature and date are located at the base of the post and become clear when you walk around the piece.
The work uses Cor-Ten steel, a material that protects itself through rust formation and keeps its earthy color rather than deteriorating. This material choice makes the sculpture a steady visual and physical presence in the campus outdoor space.
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