Project Description: We propose to build an 8” tall cedar deck on the 12′ square concrete slab. In the center will be a 4′ square opening featuring a “mirror box,” covered with a clear walkable surface.
The mirror will reflect the sky and when viewed from a seated position, the tapered sides will bounce the reflections infinitely, creating an optical illusion which turns the sky into a giant sphere.
A one inch thick clear plexiglass square will cap the mirror box. The surface of the scratch-resistant plexiglass will be flush with the surface of the deck boards. The mirror box will be a sealed unit, avoiding any issues of harm to the public or mirror breakage. The only maintenance will be keeping the surface plexiglass clean.
At night the benches will light up from under the seats, by way of LED lighting strips powered by solar panels embedded in the sides of the benches.
We see this as a three-season artwork. It is possible that the clear plexiglass window will need to be replaced each season. Therefore we are designing the sculpture to be easily maintained. Replacing the Window is a one day job.
I expect this to be rejected. But maybe it’s not that crazy an idea. Siah often included text in his artworks. I would like to engrave a poem into the edges of the seats. The Poem is 4 short line, one on each of the four seats. the poem goes like this:
You’re a cat, remember that.
Is is is, and that is that.
Just be yourself, and you will see,
That you are you, and I am me.
What do you think?
Here are earlier versions…I still like the traditional benches.
