About the artwork
Linda Stein
Knight of Tomorrow 574, 2011
Dimensions(h x w x d): 102" x 24" x 12"
Bronze
Located on Walk of the Heroines
From the artist statement: "Knight of Tomorrow 574, made of bronze, represents the heroism of all women by signifying an 'everywoman' who has met the challenges of history and contemporary life. My participation in Portland State University’s Walk of the Heroines is a natural progression in my own goals as a feminist artist honoring the heroism of women in all societies and all eras. It is partly a response to running from my Ground Zero studio during 9/11. This experience–combined with childhood fears, my feminist abhorrence for gender inequality, and our contemporary culture of Perpetual War–led me to contemplate themes of Protection, Parity and Peace. My feelings of vulnerability, insecurity and powerlessness coalesced into a desire to create an iconic form that symbolized the strong, protective, heroic female image providing the sense of safety I sought, and a symbol of our humanity."
PSU's Walk of the Heroines realizes a vision of a special place to honor the women who have illuminated our lives. The park includes gardens, artistic paving, sculptures, a fountain, a stage, and naming walls. Thirty quotations by extraordinary women from wide-ranging fields of knowledge throughout history are inscribed on granite paving bands. Knight of Tomorrow 574 was chosen as the centerpiece of the Walk of the Heroines in a national competition.
About the artist
Linda Stein is an American feminist artist whose work focuses on themes of protection and otherness. Stein’s work is primarily abstract and figurative sculpture. Stein also has a history of nonfiction writing and art education. Stein is a 9/11 survivor, who was displaced from her Tribeca home and studio following the attacks. This event had a notable impact on her art, inspiring her to move from abstract to figurative work and to address themes of protection, bravery, and sanctuary.
See more of Linda Stein's work on her website.
Banner image: Photo by Josh Gates.