News and Media

Article By: Monique Bos
Published: Jul 21, 2009

Andrew F. Scott, a Savannah College of Art and Design sculpture professor, recently installed his sculpture "Akua Ba I" at the entrance to the King Arts Complex in Columbus, Ohio. Jonathan Anderson, a Master of Fine Arts student in furniture design at SCAD, assisted with the installation June 7-8.

The complex, which also holds Scott's sculpture "African Queen" in its permanent collection, purchased "Akua Ba I" as part of a renovation of the entrance area.

According to Scott, who serves as sculpture minor coordinator at SCAD's Savannah location, both sculptures are based on the Aqua-Ba Ashanti form, which is iconic in African art. "The form is a symbol of beauty, prosperity and fertility," he explained. "It represents the aesthetic ideals that the Akan people hope for in their children."

Each sculpture is approximately 11 by 4 feet. "The African Queen" is an abstract stainless-steel piece, while Scott used diamond-plate steel for "Akua-Ba I," which more closely resembles the traditional form. Both pieces also incorporate glass.

The King Arts Complex, which opened in 1987, is a 60,000-square-foot facility dedicated to honoring the cultural and historic contributions of African-Americans. The complex offers performances, educational activities and community events.