CARDINALIS
(Redwing
for
Orville
and Wilbur)
2006-2008
steel, granite, aluminum and titanium
Commissioned
by the Indianapolis Airport Authority,
The
dynamically positioned "red wing" and its connection to the ground
via the sweeping arch element, makes an immediate and obvious link
to aviation. This act of "bridging" can be seen as a symbol of airports,
which are in fact "middle ground" - the physical
places in our contemporary society that connect the earth and sky.
Airports are between two worlds and take on modern mythic status.
The
physical shape, positioning and color of Cardinalis, with its uplifting,
sweeping and graceful energy, is itself a metaphor for the act of
flying . The delicate and relatively small area where it "touches
down" not only gives the work great physical drama and visual excitement
, it also is symbolic of the skill and "magic" needed for safe taking
off and landing. Cardinalis pays homage both to the Wright Brothers
and to the men and women whose skill and dedication make air travel
a reality.
installation
April 2008
return
to public works
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