Abravanel Hall is a concert hall in Salt Lake City, Utah, that has become a landmark for the city. Home to the Utah Symphony as well as a venue that hosts a variety of events, the space it recognized as a architectural masterpiece. That status made the installation of “Maran,” a massive bronze work that dominates the north end of Abravanel Hall, such an important development.
Created by Neil Hadlock in 1996, the artist is recognized as one of Utah’s true artistic legends. His style has been described as high modernist, as it rejects the history and conservative values built into other pieces of a similar size and scope. That sense of ingenuity drove the idea for his piece that sits just outside of Abravanel Hall.
“Maran” was designed to be challenging yet approachable. It mirrors the vertical, uplifting projections of the surrounding mountains and serves to welcome passing visitors. Hadlock has also talked about how the massive piece rests on two small points that are no wider than an inch. This contrast creates tension and gracefulness.
Hadlock typically uses materials constructed from fabricated steel and stone, making his bronze “Maran” that weighs 8,000 pounds a natural fit as part of his body of work, yet still unique. It personifies his endeavor to allow audiences to experience meaning and explain life with elements in his work that communicate a universal aesthetic.
Besides symphony performances, the Abravanel Hall also hosts numerous concerts and special events. The venue was created specifically to provide an environment of acoustical excellence, showcasing a uniqueness that “Maran” celebrates in multiple ways.
Blending into the immediate surroundings as well as the mountains that surround Salt Lake City, “Maran” has been able to provide audiences with an experience that is distinct from the one they’ll get at Abravanel Hall but is nonetheless inherently connected to what they’ll hear inside and see all around the venue. These sorts of connected experiences have proven to be especially powerful and memorable to audiences of all types.
