Meijer Gardens to Present Major Site-Specific Sculpture by Korean Artist Lee Ufan

Grand Rapids, MI -- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is honored to announce the acquisition and permanent siting of a major work by Korean painter sculptor, Lee Ufan. Ufan specifically selected to place his minimalist and earthwork piece, Relatum: Forest Path, in the Gwen Frostic Woodland Shade Garden.

Known to respond specifically to a site, Ufan was invited to visit Meijer Gardens in 2012 and spent several days choosing a site for his piece. He returned in 2014 to carefully select the granite boulders from local quarries which would compose part of Relatum: Forest Path.

"For Meijer Gardens, the project with Lee Ufan is a milestone in our development as one of nation's leading arts and horticultural organizations," said Joseph Becherer, vice president and chief curator at Meijer Gardens. "In this site-specific commission, he has thoroughly engaged with the Woodland Shade Garden in this monumental project with great sensitivity and insight."

This is the first time the Woodland Shade Garden, a quiet and peaceful area located near The Richard and Helen DeVos Japanese Garden, has had a permanent sculpture sited.

"This and recent acquisitions by Jenny Holzer and Ai Weiwei, among others, have been transformative this year for the organization now celebrating its 20th anniversary, drawing record attendance," described Becherer.

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