Tom Otterness
American, born 1952
Millipede, 2008
Bronze, 60 x 48 x 300 in.
Whether located in parks or subway stations, Tom Otterness' public sculptures have a common aesthetic. Contrasting extremes of scale, substituting animals for people, and referencing myths and fairy tales, he imbues his works with an endearing playfulness that engages viewers' attention.
The Wichita Millipede stands on a concrete apron across from the Ulrich Museum’s front entrance, bracketed by a key-shaped flower bed whose springtime tulips are a well-loved campus amenity. The artist explained in his proposal, the work is meant to connect metaphorically to the university as a whole and specifically to the other sculptures near it.