Norwood Viviano, associate professor for sculpture and foundations and area coordinator for sculpture, will receive a mid-career artist award from the Smithsonian and have his work exhibited at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.
During the Smithsonian Craft Show, May 1-5, Viviano will receive the Smithsonian Women’s Committee’s Delphi Award , which recognizes mid-career artists who demonstrate distinction, creativity and exceptional artistry in their work. The committee noted Viviano's complex sculptures and installations that tell the story of worldwide climate and population changes.
“It is really an incredible opportunity,” said Viviano. “It is a chance to introduce my work to a whole new audience, which can lead to wonderful conversations that open up even more opportunities to build momentum for the work.”
In his projects, Viviano explores how urbanization, industry and immigration shape personal and shared histories. For example, "Recast," is a series of kiln-cast glass sculptures that highlight the manufacturing history in several U.S. cities combined with their current architecture. Modern Detroit is cast on top of the cylinders of a V8 engine block and Pittsburgh is cast on top of a steel I-beam.
