Abstract
This paper explores opportunities for historically inspired public art as a way to draw upon existing place-based identities. Specifically, it does so by outlining a case study titled, Gold Rush, a temporary public art installation designed as part of a light festival in Charlotte, North Carolina, sponsored by US Bank. The art team drew inspiration from the city’s history, including the gold mining rush in 1799, then the minting of gold coins in 1836, and now its presence as a banking capital. The resulting interactive sculpture is comprised of 250 gold mirrored panels, reminiscent of a metallic sparkle, suspended within an inhabitable curved ruled surface frame, each integrated with lights producing an illuminated field of floating panels at night. The installation is sited along the Charlotte Blue Line, a public light rail train which was built along the typical commute of financial workers to Uptown, as an incentive for trying to gain additional funding for a network of transit lines throughout the city. The artwork shares the story of the city’s economic relationship with the banking industry, informing visitors of publicly forgotten pasts and potential future impacts. Using the installation as a case study reference, the paper outlines the role of concepts, materials and their effects, and the site in engaging narratives of place and place-based identity in public art.
Presenters
Rachel DickeyAssociate Professor, Architecture, University of North Carolina Charlotte, United States Sarika Merchant
Student, Architecture, University of North Carolina Charlotte, United States Sage Duffey
Student, Masters of Architecture, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
The Arts in Social, Political, and Community Life
KEYWORDS
Public Art, Place, Materials, Site
