University of Iowa relocates its ‘brain rock’ to west side

IOWA CITY — The University of Iowa’s iconic “brain rock” — which for more than a decade offered luck, levity, or just a landmark for students strolling the T. Anne Cleary Walkway — found a new home this week on the west side of campus.

Cranes on Tuesday lifted the 19-ton brain-shaped carving — formally known as “Ridge and Furrow” — from just outside the UI Chemistry Building on the east side of campus to the health and sciences campus on the west side.

Touted by UI orientation guides for years as bringing “good luck” to students who rub it before a test, the brain’s new situation could bring fortune to a different sect of UI coeds and health care professionals alike, given its placement near the Medical Education Research Facility.

“Occasionally, public art is relocated to other spaces on campus,” UI officials said about why it was moved. “Ridge and Furrow's new placement on the health sciences area of campus provides a fresh opportunity for engagement.”

But some students are going to miss it, according to commentary on social media.

“C’mon Uiowa,” one Instagram user wrote Tuesday. “Those of us in the chem building have so little to live for.”

Another person wrote, “By far and away the biggest event to happen on campus. Today is a truly historic day.”

Artist Peter Randall-Page hand-carved the boulder into “a continuous and endless ridge flanked by ‘v’ shaped grooves or furrows,” according to the University of Iowa, which reported installing the artwork on campus in 2011.

The asymmetrical rock crisscrossed by patterns allows it to resemble the hemispheres of the brain, according to the artist — who’s gained international repute for his sculptures, drawings and prints.

Part of the design team for the Education Resource Centre at the Eden Project in Cornwall, Randall-Page influenced the building design — incorporating an enormous granite sculpture titled Seed, according to UI. He’s also installed artwork in other parts of England.

“Ridge and Furrow is only the second public work for Randall-Page in the United States,” UI officials said.

  Buy Photo

  Buy Photo

Vanessa Miller covers higher education for The Gazette.

Comments: (319) 339-3158; vanessa.miller@thegazette.com