Artist: Maddie Deiter

Location: Artpsace Southern Illinois office - 304 W. Walnut St., Carbondale, IL

Materials: Existing wall and paint

Installation date: 2023

As an homage to the works of visionary designer, architect, inventor, writer, and Southern Illinois University professor, R. Buckminster Fuller, “Bucky”, this unique and inspired mural is showcased on one wall of Artspace Southern Illinois’ offices and our Walnut Street Art Center location.

Hailed as “one of the greatest minds of our times”, Fuller's works and ground-breaking contributions, including such visionary inventions as the geodesic dome, the dymaxion car, and the dymaxion map that formed the basis for Fuller’s “great logistics game” and “world peace game” - nicknamed the “World Game”, still played to this day. Buckminster Fuller spent his life creating tools he intended us to use in solving the great problems of the world.

Fuller was a professor in the Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) design department from 1956 to 1971. While in Southern Illinois, he lived in a geodesic dome he constructed near campus. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His ideas on sustainability, resource efficiency, and innovative design continue to inspire architects, environmentalists, and futurists.

This mural is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.