The Ring Of Knowledge
While waiting for a couple friends for lunch at the Buffalo Central Library (Fables Restaurant), I began to wonder around. Mainly I wanted to get a good look at The Buehl Building, otherwise known as Burchfield's 'Rainy Night Building'. From the main floor vantage point the corner where The Buehl sits looks very impressive.
After gazing upon The Buehl for a few moments I began to head back to the restaurant… and that’s when I came across a set of five glass benches that took my breath away. As I didn't immediately see the plaque explaining the history and the meaning of the functional sculpture, I asked a nearby attendant for some background on the work of art. He was very helpful and printed up some relevant info found on the library's website.
The 'Ring of Knowledge' was commissioned by the Grosvenor Society in 1993. Designed by Howard Ben Tré and made completely of glass, the sculpture appears to glow as if lit by some sub-floor light source. It turns out that there is deeper meaning to the five components - each "represents an individual element or creative energy found in nature: fire, water, void, ground and wind."
This incredible seating arrangement can be found in the Central Library's display and programming area, just situated just past Fables Restaurant (to the left). It is there that fans of the library and its exhibits and collections meet for book talks, panel discussions, author visits, and children's programming.
To me The Ring of Knowledge is an excellent place for reflection. There is something about the sculpture that is simply mesmerizing... the changing hues of blues and greens as well as the ice-like depth of the glass. This is an ageless sculpture completely frozen in time - a must see if you are into functional art.
The Buffalo Central Library | 1 Lafayette Square | Buffalo, NY 14203 | (716) 842-0051
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al-alo
glass? how transparent.
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sonyactivision
Another Buffalo treasure. Howard Ben Tre is like the King of cast glass and this splendid work will be a nice investment for the Library.
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PaulBuffalo
I've seen many of Howard Ben Tre's pieces in museums throughout the country and this is one of his more elegant pieces. Perhaps, the library has a more discerning eye than the Albright-Knox in its acquisition strategy.
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carl
i'm frankly surprised that they didn't get rid of that during that botch job of a renovation they did a while ago.
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