A new work of art on display in the Capen Hall lobby isn't your regular "David" by Michelangelo.
In fact, according to one UB professor, the whole idea behind the 2,000-pound bronze book, whose pages can actually be turned, is to rethink the very concept of public art.
"Public art today is very abstract," said Frank Fantauzzi, an associate professor in the UB department of architecture, who was the creative director for the project. "It can be hard to understand most pieces without an art background."
The book chronicles the history and physical development of the city of Buffalo.
"(It) is an introduction to Buffalo, but it's also a document of it," Fantauzzi said.
One of Fantauzzi's hopes while designing the book was to challenge the role of public art in today's society and to redefine people's view of public art.
The solution was to create an art piece that people could identify with, in the form of a book, which people can recognize from their daily lives.
"We tried to reconsider and redefine public art," Fantauzzi said. "Books hold facts and authority."
Another goal for the book was to create a history of Buffalo that would last for a long time. With the city of Buffalo's future in question, it was important to have a record of it, according to Fantauzzi.
"Buffalo is right on the verge of disappearing or becoming a great place," he said. "(The book) is going to last longer than all of us."
The decision to cast the mold in bronze was very important for the longevity of the book. It will grant it enough durability that it may even outlast the city itself.
"It's like putting all of your treasures in a briefcase and locking it," Fantauzzi said. "It will serve as a record of the city."
The book was first conceived in 1999, when a $20,000 multidisciplinary seed grant was provided by UB for the project. Planning and construction went on until 2003, when the book became available for display.
For the last two years, the book had traveled the country, starting in Portland, Oregon.
"It seemed appropriate that the book's first display was a cross-country trip," Fantauzzi said.
Most recently, the book resided in the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport. There's a good chance the book could be transported to other locations as well.
"The book will continue to travel," Fantauzzi said. "The book is on wheels, so it is literally meant to travel."
The book not only serves as art, however, because it can actually be read by passers-by. With 300-pound pages, though, most people will have to let the library turn the pages at a rate of once per week.
Students said they are curious about the book, primarily wondering if someone could actually read it.
"It's an interesting cultural project, though I have to question the practicality of a readable 2,000-pound book," said Jim Horng, a senior English major.
Chris Dowd, a freshman film studies major, said the book is a neat artifact.
"I think it's a worthwhile addition to the university," Dowd said. "It looks nice and tells a story about our city, which is invaluable."
