Fits and Starts is an sculpture by theBrooklyn,New York City artistMarc Swanson, the 2005 vandalism of which atDePauw University created controversy.[1]
Fits and Starts was a life-size sculpture of adeer in mid-leap that was entirely encrusted inrhinestone crystals. It was made ofsteel andpolyurethane foam.[2] The sculpture was installed near DePauw's East College building on 4 November 2005.[2] The artwork combined the influence of his politically conservative father, anEagle Scout andUS Marine, and Swanson's identity as agay male.[2] The Butler Family Foundation, which "is committed to supporting the acquisition of contemporary sculpture created by emerging artists of promise and established artists of note,"[2] paidUS$60 000 to donate the sculpture to DePauw.
DePauw students hit the sculpture with various objects, and parts of the deer's antlers were sawed off. After the vandalism, the artwork was removed and stored in the basement of the Peeler Art Center at DePauw University. In the fall of 2008, restoration of the sculpture was completed and the deer now stands on the second story of the art center.
