The Olympian

Nashville, Tennessee – [Oct.19, 2023] – Tennessee State University's Hiram Van Gordon Gallery proudly presents The Olympian by Jane-Allen McKinney. McKinney has been a Professor in Art and Design at TSU since 1994; she designed and constructed the 46-foot-tall sculpture between 2003 and 2005. This monumental work of art celebrates the remarkable achievements of TSU-affiliated athletes who have excelled on the world stage, a fusion of artistry, symbolism, and dedication. The gallery will highlight the making and construction of the TSU Olympian that has stood outside Gentry, welcoming you in for the last two decades. A total of 32 medals have been awarded to students while attending the university. The legacy of athletics, academics, and culture runs deep here at TSU.

McKinney chose brass, aluminum, and copper, creating a brush-textured finish, utilizing in precise proportions the metals to correspond to the number of gold, silver, and bronze medals earned by TSU-affiliated athletes. Brass represents the gold medalists, aluminum signifies the silver medalists, and copper pays tribute to the bronze medalists, creating a unique and meaningful connection between the sculpture and TSU's sporting legacy. The TSU Olympian stands proudly holding a brass diploma, symbolizing the profound educational legacy of TSU and the knowledge passed on to its students. This symbolism encapsulates the spirit of the Olympic Games and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines TSU's athletes and students. Each of the medalists has their names engraved around the base. TSU Olympic Medalist: Wilma Rudolph, Wyomia Tyus, Edith McGuire, Mae Faggs, Barbara Jones, Martha Hudson, Lucinda Williams, Chandra Chesseborough, Madeline Manning, Ralph Boston, Willye B. White, Kathy McMillian, Aubrey Patterson, Isabelle Daniels, Margaret Matthews, Ryan Fann

The Olympian will open on November 6th and close on December 7th, with a reception on Wednesday, November 15th, from 5-7 pm. The reception will include an artist talk with Jane Allen McKinney on the work and process of The Olympian. For more information on our Olympians at TSU and Artist Jane Allen McKinney try these links: bit.ly/3tGrRNr and bit.ly/46NUBC2