I have overheard William Tucker’s campus artworks referred to as various unschooled titles by many of the less imaginative students at UMass Boston. For example, Tucker’s The Hero at Evening is also known as “that huge white boulder that sits between McCormack and Wheatley.” And his Gods have been referred to as “those piles of turd by the Science Building.”

An unforgivable short-sightedness and an unwillingness to learn is at the root of such sarcastic remarks. It is due to such attitudes that an ignorance towards art exists at all. I use the word “attitude,” because it is clear that the statement wasn’t made lightly, in passing, but rather with an intentional and scathing disdain for what precious few works of art that UMass Boston has the honor of presenting to those who are willing to learn.

It is my understanding that most students haven’t even taken the time to read the accompanying text panel which would help in explaining this “huge white boulder that sits between McCormack and Wheatley.” Furthermore, even if you didn’t have time to read the explanatory text, one can clearly gain some knowledge through simple, considerate observation.

The Hero at Evening is actually a head resting on it’s side. It may be hard to see, but it’s there, taking a nap on the green grass. Even if the head doesn’t jump out at you, it is clearly not a natural boulder: the sculpture’s surface has a deliberate, molded-like quality despite it’s rough finish.

If you would like to learn more about William Tucker and his artwork, visit the Harbor Art Gallery on Thursday, March 13th, where the artist will be giving an Art Talks presentation.