“Hermes Rises”
Brigadier General Everett Holle commissioned the work of artist Leah Webb, one of his many protégés, to customize a trophy for the Holle Awards. In the preliminary stages of discussion, they considered several representations that would convey communication but repeatedly returned to “The Messenger.”
Hermes, the Greek god of communication, was the inspiration for the award, and the Greek reference was essential to its design. Hermes is widely known for effective communication (including language and writing), bridging gaps in understanding, and adjudicating change. Webb chose a posture intended to imply elevation, and named the piece “Hermes Rises.”
General Holle was firm and clear that the award itself be art and not resemble a traditional trophy. He wanted an award that was distinctive, deliberate, and well executed.
The artist’s intention was to imply a colossus and, in so doing, to underscore the importance of quality communication in every aspect of human culture and interaction. General Holle loved this interpretation and other than strongly suggesting the incorporation of the winged helmet, he trusted Leah and her husband and collaborator, Judd, to bring the vision to life.
According to myth, Hermes was a messenger of the gods and the inventor of speech. Given that perception, he is often associated with oratory or interpretation. Historian Robert Parker describes Hermes in tripartite: transition, communication, and exchange. Hermes “moves individuals and societies from ignorance to knowledge (communication); from point A to point B (transition); and from want to satisfaction (exchange).”
“Hermes Rises” is a bronzed art piece that reimagines Hermes’ posture as an elevation of communication as art, transcending difference, expressing and translating complicated ideas, and fostering awareness and compassion. “Hermes Rises” is presented to all award winners alongside a $10,000 monetary award.
A life-size replica of “Hermes Rises” (pictured above) was contracted by the College of Communication and Information Sciences in 2021. The bronze sculpture, created by Webb, was installed on February 1, 2023, in Reese Phifer Hall, home of the College of Communication and Information Sciences, on the campus of The University of Alabama.