Ra in Olympia-1
by Charles Hite
Title
Ra in Olympia-1
Artist
Charles Hite
Medium
Photograph - Digital Photograph
Description
November 2018 Article by DEENA C. BOUKNIGHT..."Egyptian art in Columbia? Those who have lived or worked in the Mill District of Columbia, where cotton mills Olympia, Whaley, and Granby once thrived, are familiar with the large depiction of Ra, the Egyptian sun god, painted on the remains of an old railroad trestle. While some park-goers may have – at first glance – wondered how an Egyptian artifact found a home in Columbia, closer inspection revealed the fading remains of a 20th century painting. Until recently.
After construction workers demolished an old railroad trestle in the Olympia neighborhood in 1989, a large portion refused to crumble. South Carolina artist and muralist, Richard Lane, decided the weathered sandstone pillar appeared ancient, so he envisioned and then painted an Egyptian scene complete with various symbols and hieroglyphs in 1993. The piece became known locally as the Ra Obelisk.
In 2004, the structure actually became the centerpiece of what is considered a “pocket park” at 904 Heyward Street; benches were added as well as a sidewalk leading to the painting.
In late October, two artists – Jeff Donovan and Georgia Lake – matched colors and repainted the mural, to maintain the original work by Richard Lane. One Columbia Executive Director Lee Snelgrove believes the spruced up painting, which will be a key location on the forthcoming Mill District public art trail (developed by the 701 Center for Contemporary Art), revitalizes the area’s energy. “The Mill District has a history as a place for workers and artists,” she says, “and it continues to be a community of passionate people. Public art physically demonstrates a place of pride, and One Columbia is privileged to be a part of preserving the unique creative spirit of the Mill District.”
Uploaded
May 27th, 2020
Statistics
Viewed 3,301 Times - Last Visitor from Fairfield, CT on 03/28/2024 at 10:15 PM
Embed
Share
Sales Sheet
Comments
There are no comments for Ra in Olympia-1. Click here to post the first comment.