kINETIC aRT

Dance with the Wind

Outdoor, large kinetic wind driven sculpture for public places.

C) DANCE WITH THE WIND AT THE ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN

#3 Atlanta Botanical Garden Exhibition 2008 - 9ft (3m)

Sculpture in Motion

Art Choreographed by Nature

Garden Showcases Art That Moves You!

SHORT DANCE WITH THE WIND MOVIE AT ABG

            ATLANTA (Feb. 15, 2008)— Amid the lavishly blooming flowers and trees at the Atlanta Botanical Garden this spring an array of extraordinary sculptures come to life! Moved (literally) by the power of the elements, more than 25 kinetic sculptures from 16 different artists will be on display beginning May 3rd through October 31st Each piece moves and shifts as a result of natural forces—air currents, water, solar power, sound waves, liquid magnetics or human energy—forming endless compositions that change over time in perfect harmony with the Atlanta Botanical Garden.  The important 2008 exhibition of kinetic fine art is the most extensive survey of kinetic sculpture ever held, and includes prominence kinetic sculptors working today in the U.S., Germany and Japan, as well as  emerging kinetic artists. 

Description of the Sculpture

             Fascinating to watch, the sculptures evoke personal responses as varied as the artwork itself. The continual changes in wind-powered kinetics are mesmerizing, as they capture and give form to breezes that are also made visible by the leaves of nearby trees, yet using gleaming metals instead of foliage. Other forms of moving sculpture, such as liquid magnetics and multi-ton interactives that can be pushed by a toddler, simply defy explanation, and must be seen to be believed.

Word from the Executive Director

            Atlanta Botanical Garden Executive Director Mary Pat Matheson noted, “Sculpture in Motion explores how the selected works are acted on and completed by natural environmental forces that power their movements. These kinetic works of art connect to the environment in compelling ways: they are powered by natural forces; their large scale complements the spectacular gardens in which they are displayed; and they often interpret natural forms such as leaves and petals. The pieces are beautifully complemented by the Garden landscape, while the shiny stainless steel or metal surfaces reflect our natural world. Likewise, flora and fauna such as grasses swaying in the wind or birds diving in air, echo the movements of the sculptures.”  

Group Exhibition and Guest Curator     

The group exhibition is produced by sixteen artists (15 living), most of whom have created new work specifically for this show. Sculpture in Motion was organized in collaboration with Guest Curator Brigitte Micmacker, Sculpturesite Gallery, San Francisco.  Micmaker notes, “I am delighted to collaborate with the dedicated staff at Atlature ever held.”

The 411 on the Atlanta Botanical Garden

            The Garden is located at 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E. in the heart of Midtown, and is open Tuesday-Sunday (closed Monday) from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission is adults $12, children 3-17 and seniors 65+ $9, and children under 3 and Garden members are free. For more information, please visit atlantabotanicalgarden.org or phone 404-876-5859.

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Media Contact:

Geri Laufer, 404-591-1550

glaufer@atlantabotanicalgarden.org

Media interviews available with some of the artists, Exhibition Manager Cathleen Cooke, Guest Curator Brigitte Micmacker and/or Garden Executive Director Mary Pat Matheson.

 

Dance with the Wind is a kinetic sculpture which is designed for the outdoors, where it literally dances with the wind.

 DESIGN:

Five rings and ball elements create a swaying and undulating ever-changing shape! As the wind pushes on the ring elements, they begin to tilt away from the wind, only to be swing back by the weight of the connected ball.

 This back and forth motion, at different degrees and speeds for all the 5 segments, shows the sculpture “dancing” with the wind in gracefully swinging motions.

SIZE:
The size can easily be scaled from 6ft(2m) to 30ft(10m). Larger sizes are possible, but require more extensive engineering.

MATERIALS: 
This kinetic sculpture can be fabricated from a variety of materials, with a large range of weight and cost:

1)  ABS lightweight, highly durable materials, which are then painted with high quality automotive paint. This is the most economical approach.

2)  Anodized Aluminum, which can be anodized in a number of colors including clear coated, or it can be painted.

3)  Stainless Steel, brushed or polished or automotive color painted. This is the most durable and saltwater resistant, but also the most expensive and heavy material.

Click on the images to learn more about each Dance with the Wind design.

For more information contact Ralfonso

Dance with the Wind 1
Here shown in combination with a water fountain and water and light effects.

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Dance with the Wind Public Art
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  Dance with the Wind 1
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This site was last updated 03/16/09