A bronze statue of a mans upper torso, arms bend with hands on the back of his head, gaze up and to the right.
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Awake, Dear Heart, Awake

View photos Artist Statement
View photos Artist Statement

Nationally celebrated Ashland artist Inger Nova Jorgensen has created a powerful sculpture in honor of the local community’s resilience in the face of unprecedented adversity in 2020 and beyond. Inger and OSF have partnered to install this singular work on the OSF campus, paying tribute to the creative pulse of our Festival and community for generations past and present.

Please help us reach our goal of $100,000, with proceeds supporting OSF’s transformative work and allowing the Festival to acquire this meaningful piece as a public art dedication to our community’s vitality.

The sculpture is on temporary display in the lobby of the Angus Bowmer Theatre. Special recognition opportunities are available as part of the permanent installation and display of this piece. Please contact [email protected] to learn more or to arrange a private viewing of the work.
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Artist Statement
Inger Nova Jorgensen
Awake Dear Heart, Awake, 2022
Bronze

Statement from the Artist: I was inspired to create this piece after experiencing OSF actor Jordan Barbour playing Mark Antony in Julius Caesar in 2017. I was moved by his performance, and found him the consummate subject for this powerful representation of the act of rising above the current climate of intolerance in America. This sculpture embodies the architecture of what we hope is the dawn of a new time for people of color in the U.S.  

The anatomical heart serves as a symbol of the heart of humanity, a reminder that we are all human regardless of externals. The figure rises out of the mountain in a theatrical, potent (and almost fierce) upward motion, signaling the viewer to feel the inspiration of expression that is so often inexorable when experiencing a compelling piece of acting. The power of the pose as he breaks free of the stone below him—portraying Jordan, an outstanding actor of color who has been part of the OSF and Ashland community for several Seasons—makes this a beautiful touchstone to welcome in this new era as OSF continues to rebuild out of a very difficult two years.  

I have lived as an artist and business owner in the Rogue Valley for 22 years, and I am well aware that OSF stands as a pillar for people of color (as well as the LGBTIQA+ communities), shining a light on important issues and being an example for theaters and arts organizations across the country. I have followed and appreciated the progression of the Festival’s commitment to the principles of diversity, inclusion, and equity. I also have watched the Festival take on the pandemic with brave strokes, and this feels like the quintessential time to present this sculpture to finally be able to celebrate the Festival’s continued resilience and commitment to reopening and rebuilding with these principles at the core of its purpose. 

https://www.ingernovajorgensen.com/