Obelisk Sigmund Reszetnik

Sigmund Reszetnik
Obelisk, 2003
Painted steel, 474 X 114 x 152 centimetres

Sigmund Reszetnik's blue S-shaped rendition of the traditional obelisk stands over 15 feet tall and 5 feet wide. The obelisk has its origins in the civilization of ancient Egypt. Obelisks were sources of protection and defence, thought to be able to pierce the sky and break apart negative forces that might harm the temple of the Egyptian sun god. They also appeared in what are now Central and South America.

In addition to their protective role, obelisks were used as monuments to major cultural events and markers of time and place. If you've seen the movie or read the book 2001: A Space Odyssey, you'll remember that obelisks were used by aliens from outer space to track the technological developments of humanity.