Prickly Pear Cactus

The prickly pear cactus is an enduring symbol of the southwest, and more specifically, for the state of Texas. Like the Lone Star flag, the bluebonnet and mesquite trees, the shape of the prickly pear cacti’s leaves are iconic and known by all Texans. The simplified floral forms remind us of the independent spirit on which the state was founded and the enduring sense that persists. It represents toughness, character and rugged beauty, and in this treatment, its 20-foot tall form illicits a sense of awe and wonder. Consisting of three independent forms, the configuration invites the viewer into the central area, which provides a captivating view of the towering forms, which converge from the ground looking upward, and represent the romantic heritage of the great state of Texas.

“Simplifying familiar forms and distilling them down to their barest essence is the motivation for this stylized sculpture of a prickly pear cactus. Losing the barbs, and making the surface a vivid green steel, retains the symbolism, but the reduction and repetition emphasizes the power of the shapes. Growing up in Texas, you see this cactus everywhere you go. It’s one of the unique symbols of the state, and of my life. I wanted to take that form and make it bigger than life, where the scale reminds us of our place in relation to nature. It’s certainly not easy to one-up Texas, but maybe this does that.”

– Ken Womack