Gold Medalist's Sculpture 'Voluptuous Truncation' Is Tribute to Para-Athletes

The following news release is published as written from St. Louis Community College-Wildwood:

A gold medalist’s sculpture has found the perfect exhibition space. The sculpture is now standing atop the LEED-gold certified building at St. Louis Community College-Wildwood.

Installed in the center of the roof amid roof tiles planted with temperature-regulating sedum is “Voluptuous Truncation,” by sculptor Martin Linson.

The sculpture is the largest piece in a series of sculptures that Linson created to bring awareness to the unique achievements of Para-athletes. The faceless bronze figure is armless and balances on one leg.

Linson was awarded a gold medal in the 2012 Summer Olympics Arts and Culture Competition for another sculpture in the series called “Omnipotent Triumph.” That sculpture depicts a Para-athlete in a wheelchair with arms raised in victory.

The Arts and Culture Competition follows the same format as the athletic competitions and included entries from 62 countries. The International Olympic Committee judged the works. Unlike the athletes, Linson did not receive a gold medal, but like the athletes did receive $30,000 for the win.

“Paralympians have to work twice as hard to just get out of bed,” Linson said. “I wanted the series to speak to the essentials of overcoming obstacles and going beyond. These athletes get out of bed and then they keep going.” 

Linson said that his sculptures are faceless to remind us that any one of us could be faced with the same kind of obstacles. His work also was influenced by veterans and his contact with Paraquad, a local organization whose mission is to empower people with disabilities to increase their independence.

Linson was the first American artist to win a gold medal in the Olympic Arts and Culture Competition.

Linson’s sculpture is the one of 10 on display on the grounds of St. Louis Community College’s Wildwood campus. The permanent exhibit was established in 2010 through a grant from St. Louis Community College Foundation to enhance the learning environment of the campus for students, faculty and the community.

The college also is working with the City of Wildwood to bring sculptures to the community, and one of Linson’s sculptures will soon be installed at the new City Administration building.