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Art in Architecture: Arctic Amphibian | Gerald Conaway

In 1978

by Cynthia Henry

In 1978, GSA commissioned Gerald Conaway to create a small exterior sculpture for the federal building in Fairbanks, Alaska. Completed in June 1979, Arctic Amphibian represents a cross-section of a dugout canoe. The austere design and smooth texture enhance its impact. It is a cast and welded 1/4” aluminum representation. It measures approximately 6 x 12 1/2 x 3 feet, including the base.

Conaway was born on February 15, 1933, in Manson, Washington, and grew up in Oak Harbor, Washington. After teaching art at the University of Washington he moved to Alaska in 1965 and began teaching at Alaska Methodist University in Anchorage. Many of his works may be found around Alaska including at the Anchorage Museum.

Conaway was known for his biomorphic abstract sculptures. Derived from the Greek words bios (life) and morphe (form), the term refers to abstract forms or images that evoke naturally occurring forms such as plants, organisms, and body parts. These forms are neither representative nor geometric, but they are mysteriously familiar; people recognize them and connect with them on a primal level, though they have never seen them before.

His scale model of the sculpture, Maquette for Arctic Amphibian (1979), is in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution. It measures 13 7⁄8 x 6 7⁄8 x 25 1⁄4 inches and is welded aluminum on a concrete base.

Throughout the year, we will highlight the artists and artworks in Region 10’s federal and leased spaces as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of GSA’s Art in Architecture program. 

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Last updated: Feb 28, 2024
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