Client: University of Iowa Health Center

Overview

“Confluence” lives in a busy passageway at the Health Center. Hospital staff, patients, and visitors walk by the art daily, bringing a stream of energy, activity, and ideas. I used this lively energy as a source for the flowing motion in the artwork.

Goals

The goal of the project was to integrate a bright, active and glowing piece to the lobby. The composition and color of the piece are inspired by aerial views of Iowa City The city is bisected by the Iowa River, and many creeks extend from the main artery. The flowing lines represent intertwined waterways and transportation networks. The earthy greens, blues, and browns are inspired by the Iowa sky and landscape. My abstraction of the Iowa city landscape invokes different perspectives from viewers. Through observation and discussion, the confluence of art and ideas fortifies community.

Process

I worked with Project Art, the curatorial office at the hospital, throughout the project. I was involved from the beginning, so we were able to create the art and the recessed, lit backdrop simultaneously. I constructed the piece in four interlocking pieces that were connected on site. I developed a "paper zipper" system so that the piece is seamless. One panel has the paper that covers the edge and layers over an abutting panel. The panels were screwed directly into a wood wall. I created a key that shows where the screws are located in case the piece needs to be relocated at some point.

Additional Information

The individual, tiny paper circles are micro, but together form a macro world, like biological processes, natural phenomenon, and communities are sums of their parts. Similarly, the University of Iowa Health Center is a place where there is a confluence of ideas, knowledge, positive energy, and unique visions come together.