Client: Liberty Mutual Insurance

Location: Boston, MA, United States

Completion date: 2013

Artwork budget: $1,200,000

Project Team

Artist

Mia Pearlman

Mia Pearlman Studio, Inc

Industry Resource

Kris Collins

Mark G. Anderson Consultants

Architect

Ken Lewandowski

CBT Architects

Industry Resource

Mike List

Polich Tallix Fine Art Foundry

Industry Resource

Mike List

Polich Tallix Find Art Foundry

Overview

UPLIFT is a permanent, site-specific, indoor-outdoor sculpture made of waterjet cut stainless steel and aluminum, commissioned by Liberty Mutual Insurance Group for their new headquarters in Back Bay, Boston. This sweeping installation infuses the intersection of Columbus Avenue and Berkeley Street with light, movement and sparkle, a metaphorical bridge between Liberty Mutual and the surrounding community. The timeless abstract shapes composing UPLIFT suggest universally recognizable natural forms like clouds, birds, water, fire or flowers. Light and shadow constantly activate UPLIFT, as well as the atrium and plaza, creating new patterns and reflections throughout the day and night.

Goals

This was Pearlman’s very first public art proposal. Originally, the client was only planning to commission artwork for the triangular outdoor plaza, but when Pearlman proposed a sculpture that would connect the exterior plaza to the building’s two-story circular project, the project was expanded to over double the original scope.

Process

When the commission was awarded in November 2011, the building was only in the very early stages of construction. Pearlman worked closely with the client’s building team, including CBT Architects, who had to significantly change the interior and exterior plans to meet the artwork. Pearlman also collaborated with Lam Partners, the lighting designers, to devise the lighting program which is an integral part of the sculpture. Her internal team included project manager Kris Collins of Mark G. Anderson Consultants in Washington DC. UPLIFT was fabricated and installed by Polich Tallix in Rock Tavern, NY.

Additional Information

Technical Information Exterior:  Five main multi-part pieces made of 3/8” water jet cut stainless steel with a satin/orbital finish  Tallest exterior piece is 14’ high  Sculpture welded to rolled 6” x 3” x ¼” stainless base, attached with 10” anchor bolts to a reinforced concrete slab Interior:  Eight 1/4” water jet cut aluminum pieces  Satin/orbital finish to match stainless steel exterior  Largest piece is approximately 10 x 14 feet  Hangs from 24 steel cables