Where We Met
Artist: Janet Echelman
Year: 2016
Medium: Ropes and Woven Fiber
Location: LeBauer Park Great Lawn
This beautiful woven sculpture is hung high above LeBauer Park's Great Lawn and serves as an icon of community gathering in Greensboro. The sculpture's form is based on an 1896 map of North Carolina railroad tracks emanating from Greensboro and connecting the regions historic textile mills. As the artist, Janet Echelman said, "I'm inspired by the rich history of textile production and local craftsmanship that originated here. I envision a contemplative experience that creates a sense of place and draws residents and visitors to spend time in the new park."
Just as the sculpture changes from day to night, when lights illuminate the artwork, casting a
pink glow to the area, Echelman has incorporated the process of change to the very design of the artwork, whose color palette will see a progression over time. This multi-year color progression will display a new palette design in the sculpture's woven fibers every five years. Echelman hopes this cyclical change of color will energize the relationship of the artwork with Greensboro residents. “Each time the colors change, it’s an invitation to see the familiar in a new light," she said.
The Artist
Janet Echelman creates her sculptures at the scale of buildings and city streets. Echelman’s work defies categorization, as it incorporates Architecture, Urban Design, Material Science, Structural & Aeronautical Engineering, and Computer Science. Echelman’s art is enhanced with wind and light, and changes from being “an object you look at, into an experience you can get lost in." said Janet. Echelman combines ancient styled craft with modern design software to create masterpieces that have complemented the urban life on five continents, from Singapore, Sydney, Shanghai, and Santiago, to Beijing, Boston, New York and London. She also has permanent works in Porto (Portugal), Gwanggyo (South Korea), Vancouver, San Francisco, West Hollywood, Phoenix, Eugene, Greensboro, Philadelphia, Seattle, and St. Petersburg (FL).
A $1-million grant funded this sculpture by The Edward M. Armfield, Sr. Foundation, which commissioned The Public Art Endowment at The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro to manage and execute the project.
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