‘Aperture’ sculpture dedicated near Hechenbleikner Lake
UNC Charlotte’s latest piece of public artwork, “Aperture,” was formally dedicated at a ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 5, near Hechenbleikner Lake.
The creation of artist John Medwedeff, the new artwork is a steel sculpture that is mounted on a bearing, which can be rotated to present different views of the lake and surrounding campus buildings.
Longtime University benefactor Irwin “Ike” Belk, who commissioned the work, was unable to attend the dedication ceremony. He was represented by his son, Carl Belk.
“I’m sorry Dad cannot be here,” Carl Belk said. “On behalf of him and the whole family, we all love this University. I want to thank you for honoring us today.”
A University supporter for more than 40 years, Ike Belk has commissioned a number of public artworks that have contributed to the campus’ aesthetic development, including the bronze statues that represent UNC Charlotte’s intercollegiate sports – a national distinction as the largest athletic statuary collection on a college campus.
In his remarks, Chancellor Philip L. Dubois said Ike Belk has contributed far more to UNC Charlotte.
“Ike’s impact upon UNC Charlotte cannot be overstated,” Dubois said. “Indeed, he is a founding father of the University, having introduced the legislation that established UNC Charlotte as the fourth campus of the UNC system. Subsequently, he served UNC Charlotte in many capacities, including as a long-time member of the UNC Board of Governors and the UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees.
“For decades Ike has remained a champion of our academic and physical development,” Dubois said. “Numerous professorships, scholarships, residential, academic, and athletic facilities across campus are named for Ike and his family.”
Medwedeff has produced site-specific public sculpture, sculptural fountains and architectural ironwork and furniture for more than 25 years. According to the artist, his work is represented in private and public collections that include the John Deere Collection, the Metal Museum, the Illinois State Museum, the University School of Nashville and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
Ike Belk also is responsible for “Ascend,” located outside the Student Union; “Orbis,” located between Grigg and Duke Centennial halls; “Water Harp,” near the Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts; and “Wings of Pride” that honors chancellor emeritus Jim Woodward’s service at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
In 2013, Ike Belk commissioned two larger-than-life, identical 12-foot statues depicting a quarterback in motion, which were installed outside Jerry Richardson Stadium.
Ike Belk is a member of the family that established the Belk department store chain. In 1965, as a North Carolina state senator, he introduced the legislation that would make UNC Charlotte the fourth university in the consolidated North Carolina system.