Grounds for Sculpture

New Addition to Sculpture Along the Way on I-295: Head 2 Head by John Martini

Hamilton, NJ- Sculpture Along the Way has been an ongoing partnership between Grounds For Sculpture and local area businesses, government and private property owners in Hamilton since 1999. It was established to herald the location of the sculpture park as well as the advent of the new Hamilton Rail station. The program has placed over 20 sculptures in the surrounding community in furtherance of the Grounds For Sculpture's mission to extend awareness of contemporary sculpture. By placing artworks outside the traditional context of a museum, Grounds For Sculpture provides increased public and community access to today's sculpture, breaking down barriers while providing artists with a unique opportunity to exhibit their work. In this way public art becomes a more vital part of everyone's daily lives because it exists where people work and live.

Sculptures on view include works by well known artists such as John Henry, William King, John Newman and Larry Bell. They are now joined by the long awaited monumental sculpture Head 2 Head by John Martini. Towering over 30 feet tall and 27 feet long, Head 2 Head, resides along I-295 southbound before reaching exit 65B. The largest of any sculpture made by John Martini to date, Head 2 Head was made by layering two identical pieces of steel, and brushing on solid enamel colors of red and blue. Martini usually uses a cutting-torch to create his work allowing the intense heat to scorch the paint, leaving a dark edge where the steel is exposed. With Head 2 Head the steel was welded, plasma cut and painted black around the rim to create the same effect.

Head 2 Head was a site-specific commission by The Sculpture Foundation Inc. for Grounds For Sculpture in 1999 for this I-295 location, owned by Hamilton Township. This project has been in the works for the past seven years. Brooke Barrie, Director/Curator and Bruce Daniels, Project Manager of Grounds For Sculpture, were largely responsible for contacting the numerous controlling agencies for this public art project. It was only through the joint partnership of Hamilton Township and the approval and permits received by the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection that this project became a reality.

Grounds For Sculpture, is a non-profit organization, consisting of a 35-acre sculpture park, two indoor museum facilities, Toad Hall Shop & Gallery and Rat's restaurant. It is located on the site of the former New Jersey State Fairgrounds; 18 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, New Jersey, 08619. For additional information on programs and events please call (609)586-0616. ext. 20 or visit our Web site at www.groundsforsculpture.org.