Client: American Consulate in Guadalajara, Mexico

Overview

Commissioned by the American Consulate in Guadalajara, Mexico, Norman Mooney crafted the awe-inspiring “Butterfly Effect” sculpture. With a commanding diameter of 20 feet and a weight of 5 tons, this monumental artwork stands as a symbol deeply rooted in its chosen location. Mexico, the homeland of the Monarch butterfly, annually welcomes this migratory marvel to the USA.

The “Butterfly Effect” recasts inborn rhythms and patterns found in the natural world. The work draws on theories of the mathematician and meteorologist Edward Lorenzo who showed how the smallest occurrence can influence much larger complex systems.

The “Butterfly Effect” has a cylinder body and 12 jointed wing petals as hub-and-spokes, all of which take functional shapes and positions as counterweights to one another. Made of mirror-polished 316 stainless steel, the sculpture spells out hidden geometric parallels and mimesis registered among natural and manmade objects.

Goals

The intentional selection of this site infuses the sculpture with profound meaning, establishing a poignant link between the artwork and the natural phenomenon it embodies. Mooney's creation captures not only the visual grandeur of the butterfly but also honors the cultural and ecological significance of its migratory journey. The "Butterfly Effect" transcends its physical dimensions, inviting viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of art, nature, and the shared experiences that bind us across borders.