Client: Columbus Public Art 2012
Location: Columbus, OH, United States
Completion date: 2012
Artwork budget: $22,000
Project Team
Artist
Stuart Williams
Public Art Agent
Malcolm Cochran
Columbus Public Art 2012
Public Art Agent
Shelly Willis
Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission
Overview
Kinetic light animates the facade and reflects in the river. The facade of the Center for Science & Industry in Columbus, Ohio comes alive with undulating washes of light and is effectively doubled in size as its reflection dances on the surface of the Scioto River. All lighting is computer-controlled, energy-efficient LED technology. LED lamps, digital controller box, electrical cable, wood, steel. Installation area = 1160 sq. meters (12,500 sq. feet).
Goals
The goal was to create a monumental public artwork in the center of Columbus, Ohio, interacting with the facade of an iconic Columbus landmark. With its sweeping presence reflecting in the Scioto River, the illuminated facade — animated with dynamic waves of light — faces downtown Columbus immediately across the river and becomes an artwork on the scale of the cityscape.
Process
ORGANIZING PARTNERS:
City of Columbus, Columbus Art Commission, Columbus Museum of Art, Experience Columbus, Greater Columbus Arts Council, Capital Crossroads SID, The Ohio State University, Otterbein University, 200Columbus The Bicentennial.
COLLABORATORS AND SPONSORS:
Center of Science & Industry (COSI), The Ohio State University, Dresden Sister City, Inc. & Columbus Sister Cities International, Columbus Landmarks Foundation, The Columbus Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, Capital Crossroads SID, Vincent Lighting, NEA Art Works.
Additional Information
Bridging the Atlantic, Williams was invited to create a parallel installation in Dresden, Germany to coincide with the 70th annual observance of the bombing of Dresden in World War 2. (Dresden and Columbus became sister cities after the war). The German site is the historic Dresden Cathedral, built in 1738. Said Williams, "Given Dresden's nearly total destruction at the end of the war I think the vision of one of it's most treasured historic landmarks appearing to breathe is extremely moving. . [“Breath of Life/Columbus,” ©Stuart Williams. All Rights Reserved.] You can see all Williams’ work at www.stuartwilliamsart.com