I am so excited for this one...
I thought that after Kathleen Vanesian wrote about Echelman and I blogged about her a couple times, I might be a little Echelman'ed out.
But I buzzed down to the Downtown Civic Space last night, right around sunset, and was totally blown away. The sculpture is fantastic and (call me optimistic) I really believe that it's going to become a symbol of our city.
I took the liberty of snapping some photos for a slideshow to give you a sneak peak. Unfortunately, the Downtown Civic Space is still fenced off, so all the vantage points are from the street.
It was a great night to see it - the wind was kicking up to make the
netting sway and dance. Most of the net is ultramarine except for a few
purple accents and a bright orange funnel of netting in the center.
When the sun broke through the clouds, the colors became electric. I
can't wait to be able to walk under this thing and look at it from every angle when the
Civic Space is open (tomorrow).
The most impressive feat is the way this enormous structure really does seem to float in the air. There are massive support beams and cables to hold the thing up, of course. But, as I walked around the block, (between 1st and Central Avenue, north of Van Buren), I was amazed at its visual weightlessness.
I was so focused, I'm surprised I didn't walk into a pole or a homeless person.
Needless to say, I love it. And don't let this slideshow alone satisfy you...make a visit! Use the light rail, see the art, and appreciate where we live...
"Her Secret Is Patience" by Janet Echelman is located north of Van Buren St. between Central and First Avenues. Formal dedication is at 3:00pm tomorrow, Thursday, April 16th. For more information visit Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture website.
