Jun Kaneko, Untitled Dango

The Columbus Museum is proud to announce the acquisition of a significant addition to its outdoor art collection: Jun Kaneko’s Untitled Dango, 2010. Over seven feet high, the sculpture now graces the Museum’s reimagined front entrance and courtyard, where it serves as an eye-catching beacon and gathering place. The sculpture’s glazed surface, with its primary colors and basic geometric shapes, relates directly to COMU’s ongoing work of teaching visual literacy, educating students of all ages about the building blocks of design principles.

An internationally renowned artist and designer based in Nebraska, Jun Kaneko is a true trailblazer in terms of ceramic innovations. His Dangos, of which this is but one example, are marvels of ceramic firing. To heat the clay and glazes of these monumental objects to the proper temperature, Kaneko innovated his signature walk-in “beehive kilns.” The artist frequently incorporates his Dangos into public art projects. These popular, large-scale outdoor installations have appeared in Chicago at Millennium Park among other locations around the globe.

This sculpture is the first work by Kaneko to enter the collection. It is a welcome addition that upholds COMU’s commitment to acquiring and displaying work by American artists from different communities, backgrounds, and regions. The Museum is grateful to the anonymous donor who provided support for the acquisition of this new Columbus Museum fan favorite.