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Richard Kostelanetz"The Smithsonian" and Dictionary of the Avant-Gardes What Rhoads has realized is a popular, public art, sculptures that are capable of holding the attention of nearly everyone without sacrificing the complexity that marks their esthetic integrity. At Logan Airport, where there are two in sight of each other, one more complex than the other, the more complex one always draws a larger audience. When 42nd Street Ballroom was first installed, there was fear that it might be vandalized, or its plastic case defaced; but even in the Port Authority Bus Terminal, notorious as it is for both crowds and "loony tunes," that has not happened. 'Nobody vandalizes what everybody loves,' one artist explained.
Larry RalphBoston Museum of Science Archimedean Excogitation has entertained millions of visitors to the Museum of Science since 1987. From wide-eyed kids to grandparents, visitors of all ages often stop for several minutes to stare and listen to the audiokinetic sculpture’s whizzing balls, spinning wheels, musical tones, and mechanical surprises. Its always a delight.”
David BermantNational Shopping Centers Management Company There is no question in my mind that George Rhoads is the most appropriate work for public spaces being done in America today. I put them in shopping centers because it makes a better day for people no matter who they are - rich or poor, educated or not. They get enjoyment out of it, talk about it, and then others come out to see it, too.
James SeawrightPrinceton University There’s a level of mechanical genius behind the inventing of complex mechanisms; that’s what George (Rhoads) has. His kinetic sculptures act in an amazing variety of ways, the balls going from one part of the track to another, suddenly turning corners. You look at one of his pieces and get a sense of overall design, but then you must trace out the details for yourself. The enjoyment comes from seeing your expectations fulfilled.
Larry BellBoston Museum of Science We have found that people watch 'Archimedean Excogitation' for much longer than they do exhibits of the very same mechanical devices- gears, levers, pulleys, and the like- that are displayed elsewhere in the museum in a more didactic fashion.