Client: Morrison and Foerster, Los Angeles

Overview

“Life Above the Fray” is ingeniously designed to seamlessly inhabit space while maintaining a subtle presence that never overwhelms. Its delicate mirrored surface gracefully melds into the mesmerizing urban panorama, occasionally scattering glimmers of sunlight across its surroundings. The composition is an intricate blend of imagery, meticulously crafted through the synthesis of diverse large-scale cut paper drawings in my studio. Employing the visual language of a “landscape,” this artwork weaves a distinctive narrative. It embarks from a notion of “rebirth” at its foundation, ascending towards a transcendent state of intricate realignment. Each phase of this sculpture boasts two symmetrical halves, much like the iconic representations found in Leonardo’s Vitruvian Man or Hermann Rorschach’s renowned ink blot tests. This symmetry signifies not only physical harmony but also an avenue for psychological introspection, beautifully echoing both our physical and mental equilibrium.

Goals

The aim was to invigorate this exceptional space by harnessing the abundant natural light and expansive open floor plan.

Process

Collaborating closely with architects and the client, I embarked on crafting the aerial sculpture for the stairwell as an integral part of the initial planning stages. The design was meticulously hand-cut from paper as a starting point. Executing the fabrication and installation proved to be an intricate endeavor. Every individual component was meticulously cut using the non-destructive process of photo chemical etching, followed by precise bending to achieve the exact radii. The elements were elegantly suspended from overhead acoustic panels, each angled at 12°, necessitating a flawless spatial interplay with precise tolerances meticulously maintained.

Additional Information

Permanent site-specific installation Dimensions: 55 x 55 x 180 inches Materials: Acid-cut stainless steel with polished mirror finish, stainless steel wire rope, and fittings Year: 2013 Location: Morrison and Foerster, Aon Center, Los Angeles, on the 59th and 60th floors