A creepy-crawly bronze sculpture sold for $32.8 million at auction in New York earlier this summer. “Spider” by French-American sculptor Louise Bourgeois smashed the auction record for a sculpture by a female artist.

If that name rings a bell, it’s for a good reason: another one of Bourgeois’ spider sculptures graced the UNC campus for several years. But no, it’s not the same exact sculpture.

“Crouching Spider,” which is slightly shorter than the sculpture sold at auction, came to Chapel Hill in August 2018. The stainless steel and bronze piece was one of two of Bourgeois’ on display at Carolina: “Eye Benches I” was installed in front of Phillips Hall, just across Cameron Avenue from “Crouching Spider.” The works came to Chapel Hill through an initiative by Arts Everywhere UNC and a loan from the Easton Foundation.

The two pieces were on display at UNC for what was supposed to be a one-year loan. They each remained on campus, however, through the summer of 2021 due to the COVID pandemic.

Bourgeois created “Crouching Spider” in 2003 as a tribute to her mother, and it’s one of a series of several spider sculptures she made, including the $32.8 million work. According to CNN, Bourgeois — who died in 2010 at age 98 — didn’t begin creating her spider series until she was in her 80s. “Spider,” created in 1996, was previously owned by Brazil’s Fundação Itaú before being sold.

So, where is “Crouching Spider” now? The sculpture is currently on display at the Dia Art Foundation in New York.

 

Featured image via The Daily Tar Heel/Janet Ayala

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our biweekly newsletter.

 

Related Stories
‹
Spider Statue, Eye Bench Artwork Set to Leave UNC Campus
A pair of art installations that have greeted those on UNC’s campus the last few years will no longer be there when students return in August. The Arts Everywhere initiative at UNC announced Monday the “Crouching Spider” and “Eye Benches I” statues along East Cameron Avenue are set to be returned as their loan is […]
Parking, Parties and Team History: What to Know Ahead of Mexico vs. Türkiye Soccer in Chapel Hill
The men's national soccer teams of Mexico and Türkiye will meet in Chapel Hill Tuesday for a friendly. Here's what to know before you go.
Alpine Bagel Cafe Set to Close in UNC's Student Union
Alpine Bagel Cafe, located within UNC's student union, shared a message with customers claiming it would permanently close on Friday, May 9.
Pro-Palestine Activists Hold Event Marking Anniversary of UNC Encampment, Clash with Police
On April 29, 2024, hundreds of UNC community members and protesters sat on the Chapel Hill campus’ Polk Place, entering their 72nd consecutive hour on the quad in protest of Israel’s military action in Gaza and the university’s administration’s unwillingness to take a stand as well. One day later, the scenes were much more charged […]
After ICE Reversal, UNC Chancellor Says 5 International Students' Status Restored
The U.S. government's ongoing scrutiny of international university students recently led to the termination of six UNC students' visas.
UNC Trustees Pass Resolution Affirming Free Speech, Campus Safety in Wake of 2024 Clashes
The UNC Board of Trustees approved a resolution at its latest meeting meant to strengthen its "zero-tolerance" approach the disruption of operations and violence while affirming free speech principles.
Imperfect Political Parties Drive Youth Voters to Register Unaffiliated
Half of youth voters identify as independent in North Carolina, leading to questions about why they do and how to best reach them.
The 5:00 News: UNC Men's Basketball Hires GM, Extends Davis; Cancer Researchers Share Funding Concerns
The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell substitutes for Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, Feb. 25 and shares the latest local news.
UNC Chancellor Interview: Monitoring Executive Orders, Expanding Enrollment, Balancing Academics and Athletics
UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts joined 97.9 The Hill's Aaron Keck on Thursday, Jan. 30 for a wide-ranging interview checking in as the university's spring semester got started.
UNC Trustees Approve Designs for New Research Building, Advance Planning Efforts for New Dorms and Student Gym
The Translational Research Building and Bernard Street Chiller Plant designs earned unanimous approval by the UNC trustees Thursday morning, while the board approved $13 million in advanced planning spending for two other major projects.
›