Robert Arneson (1930–1992) transformed ceramics by rejecting traditional ideas of functional pottery and using clay for irreverent, provocative sculpture. Considered a founder of the ceramic Funk movement, he combined humor, autobiography and social commentary in sculptures, drawings and prints. After earning a Master’s of Fine Arts degree from Mills College in 1958, he joined the University of California, Davis, faculty in 1962. Teaching ceramics in the iconic art building TB 9, Arneson encouraged his students to deviate from traditional pots and vases. As Deborah Butterfield (M.F.A. '73) recounted in her 2023 talk at the Manetti Shrem Museum, “I wanted to work with Bob Arneson and be a potter … he says ‘Oh no, we don’t do pots in the university. We only make sculpture. If you want to make a pot, you have to do it on your own time.’” Arneson questioned power imbalances within political and administrative systems through satirical artworks rooted in humor and identity. His Egghead sculptures, located throughout the UC Davis, campus, demonstrate his humor and anti-authoritarian stance. Eye on Mrak (Fatal Laff), located in front of Mrak Hall, has an eye at the back of its head that looks to the university chancellor’s office. The cheeky Egghead reminds the UC Davis community to “keep an eye on” campus administration.