Members of the City of Springfield's Public Works Department pose alongside a sculpture they helped install near Park Central Square. It's part of a 22-sculpture collection called "Borders," by Icelandic artist Steinunn Thorarinsdottir. (Photo: Submitted)

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A 22-piece series of sculptures initially made for the United Nations in New York is now set up across downtown thanks to Sculpture Walk Springfield.

“Borders” was created by renowned Icelandic artist Steinunn Þórarinsdóttir (Thorarinsdottir). It’s an addition to Sculpture Walk’s ninth exhibition, set to be installed in late April. “Borders” consists of androgynous, life-sized sculptures that “mirror each other in silent conversation and form unseen borders that visitors are welcome to cross — serving as ambassadors between sculptures,” a press release from Sculpture Walk said, adding the exhibition “addresses humanity and cultural diversity.”

“(Thorarinsdottir’s) sculpture series ‘Borders’ examines the idea of tangible or psychological boundaries,” Sean FitzGibbons said in a press release. He’s the executive director of the History Museum on the Square and a Sculpture Walk board member. “Originally commissioned for the U.N.’s Dag Hammarskjold Plaza in New York, this work now lives along Route 66 in its birthplace. This location adds a new layer of context to ‘Borders,’ which comes at a wonderful moment as our community gets ready for the centennial celebration of Route 66.”

Thorarinsdottir is celebrated for her ability to merge tradition with contemporary expression, according to Sculpture Walk. She draws inspiration from the landscapes and traditions of her native Iceland.

An androgynous, life-sized bronze sculpture
One piece from the sculpture series “Borders,” by Icelandic artist Steinunn Thorarinsdottir, is set up near the US Bank and Discovery Center Springfield downtown. (Photo by Sculpture Walk Springfield)

“‘Borders’ explores humanity and its surroundings, embodying themes of connection, separation and the universal human experience,” the press release said. “Each sculpture invites viewers to contemplate the boundaries that define our lives while transcending geographical and cultural divides.

Two androgynous, life-sculptures stand in a field, facing each other
Two pieces from “Borders,” a sculpture series by Icelandic artist Steinunn Thorarinsdottir, are set up outside the Springfield Expo Center in downtown Springfield. Sculpture Walk Springfield will host “Borders” for at least two years. (Photo by Sculpture Walk Springfield)

“Through ‘Borders,’ (Thorarinsdottir) invites audiences to embark on a visual journey transcending linguistic and cultural barriers, fostering dialogue and understanding across diverse communities.”

“Borders” will be in Springfield for at least two years, according to Sculpture Walk, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the cultural vibrancy of Springfield by installing outdoor sculptures. The organization aims to “engage the community, foster creativity and celebrate the transformative power of art in public spaces.”




Jeff Kessinger

Jeff Kessinger is the Reader Engagement Editor for the Springfield Daily Citizen, and the voice of its daily newsletter SGF A.M. He covered sports in southwest Missouri for the better part of 20 years, from young athletes to the pros. The Springfield native and Missouri State University alumnus is thrilled to be doing journalism in the Queen City, helping connect the community with important information. He and wife Jamie daily try to keep a tent on the circus that is a blended family of five kids and three cats. More by Jeff Kessinger