Beverly Pepper (1922 – 2020) was an American sculptor known for her monumental works in steel, cast iron, bronze, and stone. It was in Dallas in the 1970s that she first began planning site-specific sculptures to interact with the landscape, producing Dallas Land Canal and Hillside (1971-1975) for a grassy median at the entrance of NorthPark Center as commissioned by Raymond and Patsy Nasher. The work proved to be a milestone in the artist’s career, leading her to make important contributions to the Land Art movement. Dallas Pyramid is a magnification of one of the several triangular peaks made for Dallas Land Canal and Hillside, as Pepper experimented with forms that were meant to be experienced in passing, intended for viewers in cars driving past the median.
“The Nasher Sculpture Center is so pleased to be able to place this sculpture in a manner that not only brings art and art history to the public, but also aligns closely to Pepper’s vision—interacting with both landscape and human life, seen through the movement of a passerby,” says Interim Director and Chief Curator Jed Morse. “This partnership and resulting trail-side work is exemplary of what the Nasher hoped for in creating Nasher Public”
Nasher Public was launched in 2021 to increase access to public art, both in the museum’s admission-free, street-facing Public Gallery, and off site through various partnerships and projects. Since then, the initiative has placed sculptures in numerous locations throughout the city, such as the Katy Trail and the Tenth Street Historic District Freedmans Town. This is the first work exhibited as part of Nasher Public’s new partnership with The Loop Dallas, the nonprofit working to unite the nation's 9th largest city with a city-wide bike and pedestrian active transportation system that joins 39 miles of existing trails in Dallas with 11 miles of newly built trails. The Hi Line Connector, where Dallas Pyramid is installed, is a one-mile urban trail that expands the iconic placemaking of the Katy Trail through Victory Park and the Design District, and on to the Trinity Strand Trail.
"It’s incredible to see The Loop Dallas come to life with art in public spaces, especially along the Hi Line Connector with the addition of this stunning sculpture by such a renowned artist as Beverly Pepper," said Jeff Ellerman, The Loop Dallas Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board. "When we first envisioned The Loop Dallas 10 years ago, our goal was to create an active transportation system that connected Dallas' fragmented trail network and also provided beautiful public spaces with art, architecture, and design that resonated with the culture of our city. This artwork truly brings that vision to life, enhancing the trail and enriching the community in ways that will inspire and engage trail users."
He continued, "Great cities are defined by their public spaces, and we’re thrilled to be in partnership with Nasher Public and to see the first of these trails take shape as The Loop Dallas becomes the legacy asset we always envisioned. The Hi Line Connector is the perfect place for this sculpture, creating an inviting, walkable, and bikeable corridor that not only enhances the trail experience but also supports our larger vision of connecting nature, recreation, and culture in a way that will inspire future generations."
Thanks to the support of private donors, the ongoing partnership between The Loop Dallas and Nasher Public will bring public art to the Hi Line Connector. On view from Ellerman Plaza, this initiative is dedicated to recognizing the work and commitment of The Loop Dallas Co-Founder and Board Chairman, Jeff Ellerman. A generous gift from Jeff’s children, Scott, Amy, and John, and their families, as well as long-time friend and Loop Co-Founder Larry Dale makes this continued placemaking collaboration possible. The sculpture is generously loaned by James Barron Art.
About Nasher Public
Nasher Public is an ongoing, two-pronged public art initiative which aims to generate access to public art by North Texas artists at the Nasher and throughout the greater Dallas community. The project launched first at the Nasher in a newly formed gallery, presenting monthly exhibitions, followed by an ongoing series of offsite exhibitions in partnership with area businesses.
About the Nasher Sculpture Center
Located in the heart of the Dallas Arts District, the Nasher Sculpture Center is home to the Raymond and Patsy Nasher Collection, one of the finest collections of modern and contemporary sculpture in the world, featuring more than 500 masterpieces by Brancusi, Calder, de Kooning, di Suvero, Giacometti, Basquiat, Hepworth, LeWitt, Matisse, Miró, Moore, Picasso, Rodin, Serra, and Shapiro, among others. The Nasher Sculpture Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for students, and free for children 12 and under and members, and includes access to special exhibitions. For more information, visit www.NasherSculptureCenter.org.
About The Loop Dallas
The Loop Dallas will unite the nation's 9th largest city with a city-wide bike and pedestrian active transportation system that joins 39 miles of existing trails in Dallas with 11 miles of newly built trails. A catalyst for economic and physical mobility, The Loop Dallas will be a lifeline between communities—connecting people to public transportation, walkable green space and one another. As Dallas continues to grow and attract new businesses and residents, investing in a state-of-the-art transportation system connecting neighborhoods throughout the city is one of the most important investments Dallas can make for our residents for generations to come. To learn more about construction and connectivity, visit theloopdallas.org.