World renowned artist creates pieces for student plaza

Students, faculty members and employees with an affinity for art will appreciate a recent addition to the student plaza outside of the Sorrell Center.

The student plaza near the Sorrell Center is now home to three “dangos” designed by internationally known artist Jun Kaneko of Omaha. (Photo by Andrew E. Nelson, UNMC public relations)

Three art pieces or “dangos” (pronounced dong-go), created by internationally known artist Jun Kaneko of Omaha, were revealed recently to the campus.

Kaneko coined the term “dango,” which literally translates to dumpling, to describe the round or oval shapes similar to the rice pastries eaten during Japanese tea ceremonies.

“Aside from their shape, dangos are fascinating because of the colored glazes that Jun applies to their surface,” said James Linder, M.D., CEO of UNeMed Corporation.

Kaneko also designed the geometric patio paving in the student plaza.

“Jun Kaneko’s artwork is world-class,” said Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D. “We are delighted to have his dango pieces beautifully displayed permanently and hope that the student plaza will become an Omaha destination to see Kaneko’s artwork.”

Dr. Linder, an art aficionado, said there is significant meaning behind the number of dangos on display.

“Three is a lucky number in Japanese culture that also has spiritual meaning,” he said. “We also liked the idea of selecting a small, medium and large dango to reflect the progression that students experience in their health science training.”

Ron Schaefer, director for UNMC Facilities Planning and Construction, said he hopes the student plaza will become a place for interdisciplinary interaction with the addition of the art.

“Jun Kaneko’s artwork is world-class. We are delighted to have his dango pieces beautifully displayed permanently and hope that the student plaza will become an Omaha destination to see Kaneko’s artwork.” Harold M. Maurer, M.D.

“I think this is a golden opportunity for us to have nice outdoor art feature that also has community interest and value,” he said.

The dangos are part of a three-phase artistic plan for the student plaza. An ice skating rink will be completed by Thanksgiving and a signature campus identification monument will be completed by fall of 2010.

“Our students and faculty literally live on campus, so we need to provide an environment that is pleasing and intellectually stimulating,” Dr. Linder said.
“The buildings themselves are works of art, but the external grounds are the gateway.”

Funding for the art was made possible by donations to the Sorrell Center Building Project.