Client: Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP

Location: Houston, TX, United States

Completion date: 2015

Artwork budget: $60,000

Project Team

Art Consultant

Catlin Moore

Moore Fine Art

Overview

Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP commissioned work by Penelope Umbrico through Moore Fine Art to create a dynamic entrance to its new office. Visitors were greeted by her signature “Suns from Flickr” work upon entrance, then the contrasting “Negative Suns” on the reverse side of the entry wall. Existing wall and wood inlay was used to create a visual frame; each piece measured 84 x 168″.

Goals

The goal of this project was to establish a visual memory cue for visitors to Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, as well as encourage a sense of curiosity and interactivity within the space. As a result, many visitors to the space take their own photos of (or with) the works and easily remember their experience at the offices. Integration into the overall design of the space was key - as the architectural plans for the wall and wood inlay existed prior to the artist's involvement. Additionally, as this space served as the entry point to the office space, the works earmarked for this section of the office needed to be instantly impactful while still maintaining the elegance of the remaining office space.

Process

Moore Fine Arts handled all logistics involving the artist's production timeline, site visits, digital mock-ups, installation, and archival records for the client. Mock-ups devised by the artist were subject to review and approval by the company CEO, and his Board. Moore Fine Art and the artist also met with architects of the space to determine the lighting details and materials of the space prior to installation, and also reviewed proper installation technique with the hired installation company prior to the receipt of artwork.

Additional Information

Artist Statement: "This is a project I started when I found 541,795 pictures of sunsets searching the word “sunset” on the image hosting website, Flickr. For each installation, the title reflects the number of hits I got searching "sunset" on Flickr on the day I made/print the piece. The title itself becomes a comment on the ever increasing use of web-based photo communities. I think it's peculiar that the sun, the quintessential life giver, is so universally photographed, and finds expression on the internet, the most virtual of spaces equally infinite but within a closed electrical circuit."