Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • Videos
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Library
    • Research
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Arts & Culture
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • |
  • Alumni
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • |
  • Alumni
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • Videos
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Library
    • Research
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Arts & Culture

‘Inspirare’ Artwork at Hendricks Chapel Seeks to Inspire

Thursday, May 5, 2016, By Keith Kobland
Share
College of Visual and Performing Arts
"Inspirare" by M.F.A. student Joan Farrenkopf is currently gracing the front of Hendricks Chapel.

“Inspirare” by M.F.A. student Joan Farrenkopf is currently gracing the front of Hendricks Chapel.

When it comes to her latest creation, artist Joan Farrenkopf is as interested in what you feel as well as think. In fact, thinking is secondary.

Farrenkopf, a student in the M.F.A. program in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, designed and installed her creation, which she calls “Inspirare.” In Italian, inspirare means to inspire, to breath in, which is exactly the end result of Farrenkopf’s work.

“Inspirare” is a series of long, flowing swaths of colorful fabric draped between the front pillars at Hendricks Chapel. A slight breeze makes it appear as if the artwork has a life of its own.

“I met with (Hendricks Chapel Interim) Dean Sam Clemence to discuss this idea, the intention of contemplation toward resolution, respect in memorial and movement forward, making peace,” says Farrenkopf. “It signifies a place, Hendricks Chapel, which stands as a focal place of memorial, advocates integrity and the tenet of peace. People can experience art without engaging in thinking, not having to figure something out, to invite experience,” she says. “The artwork focused on this and [Dean Clemence] felt this was a total meaningful piece at the chapel.”

“It was truly a pleasure to work with Joan on her project,” says Clemence, who met with Farrenkopf beginning in December to hear more about her plans. “She wanted it in a special location to inspire students, faculty and staff as they traversed the quad. She worked diligently with our physical plant employees to choose the final location—she even had to do some innovative engineering to properly secure the banners on the columns in front of the chapel. The final result is a striking piece of art and we applaud her for making this lovely piece available for all of us to enjoy.”

As for the colors, Farrenkopf has her own mythology for the selection. But she’s much more interested in yours.

“Its an experiential piece,” says Farrenkopf. “It’s most important to me that this is the viewer’s experience. To hear the comments, the width and breadth of exploration in their experience, is just wonderful.”

“Inspirare” will be on display until Wednesday, May 11.

  • Author

Keith Kobland

  • Recent
  • Activities for the Weekend of March 4-7: Get Involved, Stay Safe, Have Fun!
    Thursday, March 4, 2021, By News Staff
  • Message From Chancellor Kent Syverud
    Thursday, March 4, 2021, By News Staff
  • Final Report of the Board Special Committee on University Climate, Diversity and Inclusion
    Thursday, March 4, 2021, By News Staff
  • Stadium to Reopen to Fans Saturday, March 6
    Thursday, March 4, 2021, By News Staff
  • University’s Service of Commemoration to Be Held Virtually on March 16
    Thursday, March 4, 2021, By News Staff

More In Arts & Culture

Burton Blatt Institute Hosts Poetry Reading

The Office of Interdisciplinary Programs and Outreach at the Burton Blatt Institute welcomes critically acclaimed poet, torrin a. greathouse, for a virtual poetry reading on Thursday, March 25, from 7-8 p.m. ET. greathouse, transgender and cripple-punk, is a recipient of…

Community Folk Art Center: A Welcoming Place for All to Discover Art, Culture and Community

The Community Folk Art Center (CFAC) has been a vital part of the University and city for nearly 50 years—a hub of art, cultural understanding and community. “CFAC is a bridge between the Syracuse University community and the local community,…

Community Folk Art Center Launches Black Arts Speak Film Series

The Community Folk Art Center (CFAC) celebrates Black lives and voices in a new short film series, Black Arts Speak (BAS). Each episode of the series will feature a different Black artist and share their work, experiences and perspectives. To mark…

School of Architecture Professor Wins a 2021 Emerging Voices Award

Lori A. Brown, professor in the School of Architecture, is among the eight selected winners to receive a 2021 Emerging Voices award from The Architectural League of New York. Each year, the award spotlights individuals and firms based in the…

Volunteers Needed for SU Libraries’ Virtual Living Library Event

Syracuse University Libraries will host its annual Living Library event during National Library Week on Wednesday, April 7, from noon to 5 p.m. via Zoom. Participants will have the opportunity to talk to “living books”—volunteers from the broader Syracuse University…

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Social Media Directory

For the Media

Find an Expert Follow @SyracuseUNews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • @SUCampus
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2021 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.