Alan "Dale" Wright

Icarus Falling

Alan “Dale” Wright (1935–2005); Icarus Falling, c. 1964; cor-ten steel; gift of Flip Weber

This sculpture of Icarus is on an elevated base in a small surround on the northwest corner of Redfield and Hayden Roads, the east entrance to the Scottsdale Airpark. The texture of the concrete base is meant to represent the winds lifting up the flying form of Icarus.

Project Background

Dale Wright was an Arizona artist who worked in welded steel and mostly created monumental public sculptures during the late 1950s through the 1970s. Wright was inspired to create this sculpture while at a fancy New Year’s Eve party at the Blue Goat in Scottsdale. He got the idea, ran out of the party, and went home to the studio to begin welding the maquette in his expensive suit. Burn holes from welding the steel ruined the suit, but he didn’t care. He had a great idea for a sculpture, and it couldn’t wait!