Koanspiracy Theories
Standing at 6 metres tall, the mysterious White Koan by Liliane Lijn has stood outside Warwick Arts Centre since 1972.
Liliane Lijn's sculptures involve light and motion and although it’s not moved in a while, the upper part of White Koan with its blue and white ellipses of neon did revolve. It was originally programmed to respond to light levels, turning in the dusk, dark and dawn. Some people remember it randomly switching itself on during dark winter afternoons.
'Koan' is not only a pun on its shape but also acknowledges the Zen Buddhist concept of a koan, a question without an answer, that is used in meditation.
Koan you believe it
With its own cult like following, it’s become an unofficial icon of the University. The Koan even has its own social media presence, providing an unauthorised commentary on university life. Its popularity also sparked a petition to change the university logo to include an image of the Koan, and it's also been the subject of its very own comic strip.
The Koan has been used as a backdrop for many graduation photos and one couple even included it in their wedding celebrations. It’s inspired student Halloween costumes and is the subject of numerous urban myths and legends. But what do you believe about the Koan?
Does someone live inside? One legend has it that in the early 1980s, a man lived inside, just like his father had done before him. These people worked day and night, pedalling a bicycle that powered the Koan’s once-famous turn invisible to staff and students walking by outside.
Or could it be a bit of left over space junk? One myth suggests it could be the nose cone from a failed Apollo mission while another says it could be a signalling device for aliens in outer space! There is also talk of it being a secret tunnel for use by university staff, apparently it brings you out in Westwood. Or is there a new Eatwise facility in there that only serves ice cream, yes you guessed it, in cones?
What’s really inside
The reality is a little less interesting unfortunately. If you don’t want to know the truth don’t read any further!
From someone who has been lucky to have seen inside, all they report to have witnessed is the mechanical rotor that used to control the 360-degree movements of the sculpture. Will we ever see it turn again, well plans are in place and we should see later this year!
So, the mystery of the Koan is resolved for now, but let’s not tell anyone. The Koan will continue to fascinate and confuse every new person who passes by this campus icon, and they can make up their own story about the Koan and what’s inside or what it’s there for.
