Newton Neighborhood Displays Sculpture From Local Artist

NEWTON, MA — A unique sculpture crafted by a local artist is now on display in Chestnut Hill Square.

“Florent” by Donald Longley depicts a Mayflower suspended against a patinaed steel field, with its details purposefully abstracted to represent decay and erosion. The mayflower has been the state’s official flower since 1918. It was named after the ship that brought the first pilgrims to Massachusetts in the 17th century. The artwork was hand-cut using stainless steel. The sculpture is on display on a brick wall by the Anthropologie women’s clothing store on Boylston Street.

“As an artist, I’m interested in how simple forms can hold weight, and how symbols evolve as they’re reimagined in new materials, scales, and environments,” Longley said about his creation. “In this piece, I’ve taken a single Mayflower and stretched it beyond its natural size, inviting it to occupy space in a new way.”

Chestnut Hill Square partnered with Newton’s New Art Center to have Longley’s work be a part of the region.

See Also:

Newton Nonprofit Hopes Rebrand Will Spark Up A Positive Future