Client: Liberty Mutual Insurance
Location: Boston, MA, United States
Completion date: 2013
Artwork budget: $1,200,000
Project Team
Artist
Mia Pearlman
Mia Pearlman Studio, Inc
Industry Resource
Kris Collins
Mark G. Anderson Consultants
Architect
Ken Lewandowski
CBT Architects
Industry Resource
Mike List
Polich Tallix Fine Art Foundry
Industry Resource
Mike List
Polich Tallix Find Art Foundry
Overview
UPLIFT is a permanent, site-specific, indoor-outdoor sculpture made of waterjet cut stainless steel and aluminum, commissioned by Liberty Mutual Insurance Group for their new headquarters in Back Bay, Boston. This sweeping installation infuses the intersection of Columbus Avenue and Berkeley Street with light, movement and sparkle, a metaphorical bridge between Liberty Mutual and the surrounding community. The timeless abstract shapes composing UPLIFT suggest universally recognizable natural forms like clouds, birds, water, fire or flowers. Light and shadow constantly activate UPLIFT, as well as the atrium and plaza, creating new patterns and reflections throughout the day and night.
Goals
This was Pearlman’s very first public art proposal. Originally, the client was only planning to commission artwork for the triangular outdoor plaza, but when Pearlman proposed a sculpture that would connect the exterior plaza to the building’s two-story circular project, the project was expanded to over double the original scope.
Process
When the commission was awarded in November 2011, the building was only in the very early stages of construction. Pearlman worked closely with the client’s building team, including CBT Architects, who had to significantly change the interior and exterior plans to meet the artwork. Pearlman also collaborated with Lam Partners, the lighting designers, to devise the lighting program which is an integral part of the sculpture. Her internal team included project manager Kris Collins of Mark G. Anderson Consultants in Washington DC. UPLIFT was fabricated and installed by Polich Tallix in Rock Tavern, NY.
Additional Information
Technical Information Exterior: ï‚· Five main multi-part pieces made of 3/8” water jet cut stainless steel with a satin/orbital finish ï‚· Tallest exterior piece is 14’ high ï‚· Sculpture welded to rolled 6” x 3” x ¼” stainless base, attached with 10” anchor bolts to a reinforced concrete slab Interior: ï‚· Eight 1/4” water jet cut aluminum pieces ï‚· Satin/orbital finish to match stainless steel exterior ï‚· Largest piece is approximately 10 x 14 feet ï‚· Hangs from 24 steel cables