"FRANGIPANI"

2006: Entry for an international competition for a

memorial to be located at a site by the sea, in Oslo,

after the tsunami disaster in 2004 

(Held by KORO Public Art Norway)

1 of 4 prizewinning entries.

 

Simple illuminated objects dip and bob on the surface of the water,

forming different patterns that change according to the weather

conditions, the intensity of the waves and the strength of the tide. The

form consists of small enclosed glass volumes that have solar-powered

LED lighting inside.  It is about ten feet in diameter and has arms that

radiate from a cylinder in the center. The cylinder is attached to the

seabed.

There are two joints for movement and flexibility in each arm. The joint

close to the base creates the great movement which draws each volume

of light towards or away from the center, by means of floats under each

volume, according to the water level. At high tide, the glass volumes will

form a circle of a smaller diameter as the arms stretches upwards to reach

the surface. By low tide, the arms will stretch out horizontally and form a

bigger circle. A smaller joint is placed right under the volumes themselves

and makes them follow the movement of the waves.

The constant movement and changes of the circle and the sea is suited to

contemplation. As your eyes try to follow the volumes in the sea, your

thoughts may wander. “Frangipani” is meant to create a focus for a

meditative time.

The colors of the light interact with the water and shift according to the

sea color and the weather. The formation must fit in naturally; your

attention should  not be on the object itself.