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Description:
"Translation" is a multiple-part artwork consisting of four water
features incorporating various levels and spanning a total length of
170 feet. Through a series of brilliant colors, the project visually
connects two exterior lobby spaces and a central courtyard. Its
elements work together to suggest change, discovery and the fluid
nature of the human thought process. The artwork incorporates 16
gradations of multi-hued Italian glass tile in a sectionalized,
linear mosaic design, ranging from cool tones on the east end of the
project to warm tones on the west end.
The
artist, Rebecca Ross, considered the building's intended use for
research and office space, along with SmithGroup's striking building
and courtyard design, when developing the project concept. She
studied the look of digital graphs, chads and waterways while
focusing on the way ideas develop and change. Ross arranged the
glass tile in an order that reflects the way colors progress along
the color wheel, visually suggesting the minute changes that can
lead to new ideas—one shade or one discovery at a time.
The visual sense of change can be experienced by the public subtly
on ground level or dramatically from above. Low-voltage LED lighting
in the pools enables the project to have a subtle nighttime
presence, extending the concept of change and allowing for discovery
by evening users.
To further expand and integrate the art into this development, the
artist was commissioned to incorporate photography featuring
botanical specimens from the surrounding area into
artistically-enhanced project signage throughout the parking
structure and building. Images of desert plants reproduced on
aluminum are dyed with brilliant hues that connect to the colors in
the water features and work as wayfinding elements throughout the
center in a successful articulation of art and function.
Funding:
This project was funded by the individual developer as a requirement
of Tempe's Art in Private Development Ordinance.
Artist biography:
Rebecca Ross is an experienced, professional Arizona artist who has
completed public art projects for the cities of Tempe, Mesa,
Scottsdale, Glendale and Phoenix. Rebecca’s work is represented in
public and private collections nationally and abroad including the
Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, Mayo Clinic-Scottsdale, Museum
of Fine Arts-Houston and many others.
Artist statement:
“I’m
interested in the ways that art can create a distinct and unique
sense of place. In this project, I’ve connected the artwork to the
surrounding Sonoran desert, creating moments of discovery such as
finding a brilliant pool of water in the desert or a jewel of color
over the image of an agave. These outdoor visual discoveries work as
a metaphor to the discoveries of new ideas happening inside the
building.” |
