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Client: Jacksonville University, City of Jacksonville
Location: Jacksonville, FL, United States
Completion date: 2023
Artwork budget: $627,000
Project Team
Artist
Shan Shan Sheng
East West Art Studio
Project Manager
Marco Castaneda
East West Art Studio
Fabricators
Jan Peters / Peter kaufmann
Peters Glass Studio, Germany
Digital Assistant
Jake Evans
East West Art Studio
Overview
Obelisk represents a fusion of past and present, a bridge between the
enduring echoes of antiquity and the modern world. The obelisk, a symbol of
power, spirituality, and cultural achievement, has transcended the boundaries
of time and geography, captivating the imagination for millennia. This
sculpture serves as a tribute to that enduring fascination and seeks to rekindle
a connection to the rich tapestry of human history.
Goals
Obelisk is a monumental sculpture that serves as a
symbol of knowledge, enlightenment, and the pursuit of higher
education at Jacksonville University. This towering structure
stands as a bright beacon of inspiration, inviting students,
faculty, and visitors to engage with its magnificent presence.
Process
As we stand before Obelisk, we are reminded of the magnificence of ancient Egypt, where these towering monoliths were raised to honor gods, pharaohs, and celestial forces. The significance of the obelisk as a symbol of strength, wisdom, and aspiration echoes through the ages, and this artwork aims to celebrate that symbolism.
Additional Information
Obelisk draws inspiration from the concept of timelessness. The shape, color and form of an Obelisk remain remarkably unchanged, serving as a translucent beacon of our shared human journey across time and space. In an age where the rapid pace of progress can sometimes leave us feeling disconnected from our roots, this artwork is a deliberate attempt to ground us in the enduring traditions and wisdom of our forebears. This public artwork represents the Universal Phenomena, adopting the multi-points perspective, as in ancient Chinese landscape paintings. Here the bottom image is ocean, then earth to mountains with continuous ups and downs, waterfalls cascading to the valley. In the summit above is blue sky, white clouds and beyond, the sunlight fill the atmosphere...... abstractly expressing the relationship between heaven and earth, the overall concept is a harmonic environment protecting earth-our home.