Orchids, Upper Middle Road
Alex Pentek (Cork, Ireland)
Bronze, stainless steel, waxed canvas, LED lights
Orchids celebrates the natural heritage of Burlington through the diversity and delicacy of these wild orchids; Dragon’s Mouth, Three Birds Orchid and Pink Lady’s Slipper, all of which are native to the Burlington area. With extensive and delicate root systems that have a symbiotic relationship with certain types of fungus in the soil, these orchids blur the boundary between plant, fungus and soil, symbolizing a deep and hidden connection with the Earth.
Centennial & Hydro Corridor Multi-Use Pathways
A series of functional public art seating treatments have been installed at 26 crossings within the Centennial and Hydro Corridor Multi-Use Pathways. This project allows for the integration of functional artwork into neighbourhoods citywide, promotes active living and provides amenities to those using the pathways. The following artists were selected through a juried process:
Asli Alin is a multi-disciplinary artist whose artwork has appeared in the New York Times and numerous other publications. For this project, Asli created playful designs featuring motifs of nature and animals. It is her hope that these designs will appeal to people from a multitude of backgrounds and age groups, while concurrently not excluding any.
Ibrahim Rashid is an award winning poet and visual artist. For this project, Ibrahim created two designs, Bird’s Nest and Poetic Moments. Bird’s Nest features an organic shape and detailing that suggests the idea of a branch supporting a bird’s nest. Poetic Moments features a series of short poems that allows each bench to be unique yet connected.
Kristof Zukowski is an architect and artist whose public art can be found around the world. For this project, Kristof created two different designs – one features stainless steel backrests with laser-cut silhouettes of maple leaves that appear as if they migrated from the trees surrounding the path. The other design features tubular backrests that appear to be “sinking” into the path under the weight of a butterfly.
In the news! Read the Hamilton Spectator article HERE
A map of the bench locations can be found HERE.
Learn more about the Hydro & Centennial Multi-Use Pathway HERE
Palladium Park
A series of 6 public art benches have been installed in Palladium Park. Artist Mary Catherine Newcomb’s unique and playful designs were selected by a citizen jury. Thinking of the park as a sort of urban natural (human) refuge and playground inspired these designs. The animals represented in her designs are indigenous to the Burlington area.
Construction of Palladium Park, a new neighbourhood park located in the north Alton community, commenced in March 2011. Construction will extend throughout the summer and be completed by October 2011.
Learn more about Palladium Park HERE
