Abstract Public Sculpture: Helmet V - Empire State Plaza - Albany, NY

Interesting Places I've Photographed

Helmet V

Empire State Plaza

Albany, NY

Topic: Abstract Public Sculptures

GPS: N42° 39.018; W073° 45.642

Quick Description: 

Helmet V is located on the east side of the Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY.

Long Description:

Dimitri Hadzi’s sculptures are based mythic concepts with inspiration from classical artifacts. Helmet V is an abstract sculpture that displays these influences. A 8.5' by 3.5' by 2.5' bronze sculpture is placed vertically on a brown stone cube which rests on concrete base. The sculpture has three elements: a triangular section on the bottom, a column in the middle and the rounded form at the top.

As with all abstract sculptures the meaning of the composition is subject to interpretation. The viewer brings their own experience to the work. The top part clearly suggests something protective. the artist calls this work Helmet V but it could just as well suggest the helmet of a turtle as well as that of an ancient warrior.
A bronze plaque a ground level is inscribed:


DIMITRI HADZI
(1921 - 2006)

HELMET V, 1961
Dimitri Hadzi was born in New York City in 1921, graduated from Cooper Union in 1950 and received a Fulbright Fellowship to study in Greece. he lived in Rome for 25 years before returning to the U.S. to teach at Harvard University. He died in 2006.

The sculpture was acquired by then Governor in Nelson A. Rockefeller as part of an extensive modern art collection on display at the new State Capitol complex.