My prior Art posts can be found HERE.
How do we move away from being a civilization that produces art that causes comments like, “my five year old could make this,” back to being one that creates beauty and inspires deep questions? We must reject modernity and embrace tradition. To embrace tradition, we must first learn about it..
Let’s study art history together.
The Keeper of the Plains (Wichita, Kansas)
| Location | Wichita, Kansas |
|---|---|
| Coordinates |  |
| Designer | Blackbear Bosin |
| Type | Sculpture |
| Material | Weathering steel |
| Height | 44 ft. (13.4 m) |
| Completion date | 1974 |
Designed and made by Kiowa-Comanche sculptor Blackbear Bosin, and commissioned by the city of Wichita as part of a local beautification initiative, the statue is a symbol of the indigenous tribes of the area
The Keeper celebrated a 50th anniversary in 2024. Over the course of five decades after it was erected, it became arguably the symbol of the largest city in the state of Kansas. In fact, this is one of the most famous symbols of the entire Great Plains of the United States. It’s incredibly impressive to see in person, particularly at night under the light of its surrounding fire pits.
(more via wiki)
The Keeper of the Plains is a 13.4 metres (44 ft) Cor-Ten steel sculpture by Kiowa–Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin. It stands at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers in Wichita, Kansas, adjacent to the Mid-America All-Indian Center. Surrounding the base of the statue are multiple displays which describe the local tribes that used to inhabit the area, as well as several fire pits which are sometimes lit to illuminate the statue at night. The fire pits, which are known as the Rings of Fire, are lit manually for public safety and run in 15-minute increments. They are generally lit once a night around 7 pm during the winter and at sunset during the summer.
History
The sculpture, commissioned by the city and private organizations to mark the United States Bicentennial, was erected in 1974. It has since become one of Wichita’s most recognized and beloved symbols. A spring/summer 2006 project elevated the sculpture on a 30-foot rock promontory so it could be seen from farther away.
A profile image of this statue comprises the motif adopted by the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, a U.S. Air Force flying unit which is based at nearby McConnell Air Force Base. From 1993 through 2004, an image of the statue, along with the words “Keeper of the Plains,” appeared on the tails of Boeing KC-135 air refueling tankers assigned to the 22nd ARW.
In popular culture and the arts
The Keeper of the Plains was mentioned by Christian musician Rich Mullins in his 1991 song “Calling Out Your Name”.
On March 11, 2021, a photo of the statue was shown as part of a clue on U.S. landmarks on Jeopardy!.
I highly recommend the following video to get a better look at The Keeper.
