3-D Life Tree Fine Arts Collection #2007:04:01 Artist: Paul Granlund, 1925-2003 Nationality: American Date: 1981 Medium/Technique: Bronze This sculpture is a combination of several figures.  The central clothed figure, representing Jesus, has upraised arms.  Orbiting around the central figure are people in various stages of life which form a 3-D Life Tree.  Roots of the tree extend from the bronze base.  It was produced in an edition of 5 in 1998.  The bronze base of the sculpture is anchored to a concrete plinth. Dimensions: 7’ x 4’ x 34” Location: Front lawn of Dahl Memorial Union

Detail of 3-D Life Tree Detail of 3-D Life Tree

Notes: This sculpture was given to Luther College by Ruth and Wilfred Bunge in August 2007 in honor of their parents, Hilda Fruechte Bunge and Franklin Bunge; Martha Andersen Jensen and Axel Jensen.  It was formally dedicated on October 5, 2007, in an outdoor chapel service in front of the sculpture at which Will Bunge presided.  In his message, Bunge spoke about the meaning of the sculpture as a “family tree, without the specificity of the usual family tree.  The model is an ideal model, to be sure.”  At the conclusion of his address, Bunge stated, “Come and see.  Look often as you walk by.  Images that don’t deserve our attention litter our lives.  We need some that enrich our gaze, and thus our lives.”

Jane Kemp
Supervisor, Fine Arts Collection

Updated 10/26/07