Client: Nebraska Arts Council with University of Nebraska Omaha

Overview

Anticipare, located at the entrance of the Concert Hall, visually lends anticipation to upcoming musical experiences and helps announce the entrance to the Concert Hall to an otherwise undifferentiated lobby hall. Each side is 8′ x 11′ x 3/8″ and was fabricated using CNC and laser cutters. My working methodology of creating scaled digital drawings translates well between a wide variety of materials. The piece was fabricated in California and packed in sections to be installed on site over a long weekend.

Goals

Integrating this into the site was essential to me and part of why the jury selected my work. The dynamic form was derived from the magnificent pipe organ hidden just beyond the doors (celebrating this tremendous instrument even while the doors are closed). The variety of woods selected reflect the variety of woods in the nearby architectural elements. Along with reflective gold mirror acrylics (representing brass instruments), copper (representing electronic music - a suggestion by the art panel), the wood and tortoise finished materials reference the materials of musical instruments. The reflective nature of the materials also animates the piece as one traverses the space and as lighting conditions change.

Musically, the latin word "Anticipare" translates to "the introduction in a composition of part of a chord which is about to follow in full." The sensitive integration to the site allows the art to induce anticipation and celebration to the skillful performances that take place behind the framed Concert Hall doors.

Process

As a 1% for Art call, I presented my concept for art along with four other artists. In the process of selecting my proposal, the jury gave valuable feedback that refined the design to eliminate other notation. I was also asked to select paint colors for the walls and assist with lighting design for the vestibule. Many parties were involved in coordinating access to the site as it is heavily scheduled for public and academic performances. The team also graciously accommodated my fabrication schedule concerns.

Additional Information

I will be returning to Omaha in a week to finish touch ups and complete requested documentation for this project.