Client: City of Palo Alto

Overview

A family of six sculptures placed throughout the plaza between the Palo Alto Main Library and Arts Center. The evolving series increases in complexity and expresses growth through a sequence. The sculptures are made up of multi-lingual phrases collected from the community, cut out of steel and welded together in three-dimensional lantern-like forms. Public participation was an integral part of this project. The artists met with different language communities in the Bay area to select phrases that represented the diversity of the local population. The artwork transforms the plaza into a dynamic community experience.

Goals

The sculptures were commissioned in conjunction with the renovation and expansion of these two public institutions with the goal of using the art to tie them together into a cohesive campus. The series of stainless steel sculptures creates continuity throughout the site as the public moves within and between the pieces. The evolving series increases in complexity and expresses growth through a sequence, drawing visitors from one form to the next. The sculptures operate at a distance but also reward close scrutiny over many visits thereby maximizing the potential for interaction and discovery.

Process

Brilliance was a collaboration between Joe O'Connell, his studio Creative Machines, and Blessing Hancock.

Additional Information

-Medium: stainless steel, LED lighting, touch-sensitive electronics -Dimensions: 5’ diameter typical - 6 total