Artist: Roger Di Tarando
Date: 1992
Material: Bronze
Location: Prince Street Park, Corner of Washington and Cedar Streets.
The intent behind artist Roger di Tarando's work was to recognize the multiple cultural influences that created the modern United States, during the Quincentennial celebrations of Columbus' discovery of the Americas. The gateway arch, therefore, features a narrative image of the New World in silhouette, emphasizing ocean travels, an immigrant family and maps of South America and Africa.
Di Tarando used imagery gathered from native peoples, including a totem design and a kachina doll. In addition, recognizing the visual and historical impact of African culture, the artist chose African masks for the heads of the figures.
The gate has six figures, all double-sided, creating twelve figures in total. Each head was fabricated of painted aluminum plate and stainless steel wire, and were attached to the framework of the gate by Shore Line Fence Company of Old Saybrook. In addition, there is an upper gateway arch with two larger heads. The lintel itself rests on poured concrete posts in a trapezoid shape.
Di Tarando lives and works in Vernon, Connecticut and has completed sculpture work in multiple mediums, including lost wax and sand casting, metal fabrication and pattern and die-making.
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