Client: Morrison and Foerster, Los Angeles

Overview

Life Above the Fray is intended to breathlessly occupy space without being overly demanding of one’s attention. Its gossamer mirrored surface will recede into the spectacular cityscape backdrop while, at times, casting glints of reflected sunlight throughout the surrounding area. The graphical composition is an amalgam of imagery conjured in my studio from various large cut paper drawings. This work uses the visual logic of “landscape” to form a particular narrative that begins with “rebirth” from the bottom and ascends upward into a transcended state of twisted realignment. Each stage of this sculpture has two symmetrical halves. As observed in Leonardo’s, Vitruvian Man or Hermann Rorschach’s famous ink blot tests, the achievement of symmetrical balance can be interpreted as an element of our physical perfection, and also our psychological introspection.

Goals

The goal was to activate this unique space by taking advantage the glorious light and open floorpan.

Process

I worked with architects and client to design the stairwell aerial sculpture during the initial planning process. The design was first hand cut in paper. Fabrication and installation was very complex. Each part cut out using non-destructive photo chem etching then precision bent to exact radii. All elements were suspended from overhead acoustic panels slanted at 12° and needed to spatially interrelate with exact tolerances.

Additional Information

55 x 55 x 180 inches | acid cut stainless steel with polished mirror finish, stainless steel wire rope and fittings | 2013 Permanent site specific installation | Morrison and Foerster | 59th and 60th floors, Aon Center, Los Angeles