October 1987. Painted granite, painted steel. Dimensions: 87 × 32 × 34 in (221 × 81 × 86 cm).
1987
polychromed granite and steel
Symplegades Passage draws its inspiration from the ancient Greek myth of the Symplegades, or "Clashing Rocks," two immense stone cliffs that relentlessly crashed together, destroying any vessel attempting to pass between them. According to legend, the hero Jason and the Argonauts successfully navigated the perilous passage with courage, skill, and a measure of divine assistance. In this sculpture, two granite forms are poised above a pedestal while a slender steel vessel slips between them, capturing the fleeting moment between danger and safe passage.
Rather than illustrating the myth literally, Symplegades Passage transforms it into a metaphor for life's pivotal moments of uncertainty and transition. The opposing stones suggest the forces that confront us throughout our lives, while the fragile vessel embodies determination, resilience, and hope. As in much of John Van Alstine's work, the ancient narrative becomes a contemporary reflection on the universal human journey—the courage to move forward despite the obstacles that stand in our way.
October 1987. Painted granite, painted steel. Dimensions: 87 × 32 × 34 in (221 × 81 × 86 cm).
1987
polychromed granite and steel
Symplegades Passage draws its inspiration from the ancient Greek myth of the Symplegades, or "Clashing Rocks," two immense stone cliffs that relentlessly crashed together, destroying any vessel attempting to pass between them. According to legend, the hero Jason and the Argonauts successfully navigated the perilous passage with courage, skill, and a measure of divine assistance. In this sculpture, two granite forms are poised above a pedestal while a slender steel vessel slips between them, capturing the fleeting moment between danger and safe passage.
Rather than illustrating the myth literally, Symplegades Passage transforms it into a metaphor for life's pivotal moments of uncertainty and transition. The opposing stones suggest the forces that confront us throughout our lives, while the fragile vessel embodies determination, resilience, and hope. As in much of John Van Alstine's work, the ancient narrative becomes a contemporary reflection on the universal human journey—the courage to move forward despite the obstacles that stand in our way.
