Client: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Overview

Project included Entry way (depicted in image), Exit way, and interior “cloud” mural. Design in this particular image: 10’ x 15’ x 10’, crafted from aluminum, neon, and acrylic. Artwork was originally commissioned in celebration of the Museum's anniversary and can be visited by the general public within the “How Things Fly” exhibition.

Goals

Due to the project being on permanent exhibition within a governmental-owned institution, effective artwork integration was crucial. For this particular piece, artwork accompanied educational themes and was required to complement - rather than overwhelm - both the interior design and the museum's mission. Further, considering the vast diversity of viewers, artwork was required to a vast array of visitor ages, backgrounds, and cultures.

Process

Like any project with a large institution, collaboration with other designers was part-and-parcel of the commission. Because the artwork needed to complement genuine museum artifacts and an informational interface, the sculptor worked in tandem with the Smithsonian team.