I for one have never heard of this artist. Sometimes I feel like there's a world of contemporary art that exists entirely apart from the layers of society I am exposed to.
Everyone’s taste is their own thing, but if you haven’t exposed yourself to the world of contemporary art, I’d highly recommend giving it a try if only to see how it bounces off you.
In my experience, great modern art creates an indelible impression that puts to shame all but the most thoughtful artifacts of our (largely “disposable by design”) popular culture.
I distinctly recall wandering through one of Serra’s oxidized marvels at the Bilbao Guggenheim, just before becoming mesmerized by Ragnar Kjartansson’s “The Visitors”—now 9 years ago.
It’s the penetration into memory and the deeper layers of the subconscious that really distinguishes the best contemporary artists and works.
I had to dig a bit, but MIT's "Transparent Horizons" (local description: "is neither") turns out to be Louise Nevelson's work, and "The Great Sail" is a Calder; turns out MIT didn't end up with any of Serra's work in the Big Hunk Of Metal genre. (On the other hand, unlike Serra, as far as I know none of Nevelson or Calder's installations actually killed anyone...)
I went to a public university and walked pass/thru/around one of his works nearly every day on my way to classes for four years. It’s actually not a world as far removed as you might think.
It's unfortunate that you're downvoted, because I can relate. I knew nothing of the contemporary art world until I found myself working at an art marketplace and media startup. For a few years, I was immersed in it. When I left, I wrote in my farewell note that I felt like I gained a whole new layer of perception of my surroundings. I connected with art installations. I sought out galleries and museums when traveling.
This is how I became acquainted with Richard Serra's work. His pieces are so monumental and immersive that when you encounter his work elsewhere, you immediately know it, whether or not you remember his name.
So I don't blame you for not feeling a connection. But you might find it worthwhile to invest in learning about the art world. If you're interested, IMO, the single best thing you can do is go on the little scheduled guided tours at museums. The docents (volunteer guides) are great at making the art relatable.
