A recent long stop–over in Fort Worth, Texas, on our way to our beautiful villa in Orlando, Florida, gave us the opportunity to do a little exploring. Some may feel annoyed at having to spend time waiting for a connecting flight, but every airport is so very different that, for us, it is a treat. It is also an opportunity to see the wealth of art that now brings warmth, interest and innovation to airport terminals which would otherwise be dull and uninspiring.
One of the things that we have noticed at so many airports is that they are being used to showcase some of the best modern art around. With their huge expanses of concrete and glass, their long corridors and soaring atriums, airports offer the perfect backdrop to a variety of art genres. Texas, Fort Worth is typical of so many airports and has numerous innovative exhibitions on display. Whilst some may be permanent, there is an ever changing range of art which is there to be enjoyed for free. It is a great way to pass the time.
One of the most interesting exhibits is that by Dennis Oppenheim. Called ‘Crystal Mountain, ’ this huge 3-D sculpture is 30 feet x 40 feet, and is located at the north side of the new International Terminal D. Inspired by crystals, this aluminium sculpture has an arched tunnel running through the centre of it which is large enough for several people to pass through. It is this tunnel which supports the many crystalline structures which are attached at odd angles. Lit from inside, this exhibit entices you in to explore it further. Its production needed precision, and used techniques which included abrasive water jet cutting of the individual aluminium pieces. It is certainly a stunning centrepiece.
However, on the east side of Terminal D is an equally stunning exhibit called ‘Circling’ by Christopher Janney, which is a mixture of glass and terrazzo. This piece is a labyrinth of beautiful transparent coloured curved glass walls and a labyrinthine pattern on the floor. There is interactive sound along the path of this labyrinth. The artist wanted to provide an area which would allow travellers to step out of the airport environment and find a peaceful and restful area. Whilst the concentric circles are not apparent from ground level and appear as a maze, from the upper level its form is very visible. In shades of vivid turquoise and blue this dominates the centre of the area.
Described as a musician who designs buildings, and an architect who makes music, he was, in fact, trained as an architect and a jazz musician. He has produced a number of interactive art features such as the ‘Harmonic Runway’ in Miami International Airport, ‘Chromatic Oasis’ in Sacramento Airport, and ‘Touch My Building, ’ in Charlotte, North Carolina. The combination of colour and interactive sound makes his art unusual and exciting.
There can be no better way to while away the time between flights than by being entertained, inspired and stimulated by the variety of art exhibitions available for all to see and enjoy.
One of the things that we have noticed at so many airports is that they are being used to showcase some of the best modern art around. With their huge expanses of concrete and glass, their long corridors and soaring atriums, airports offer the perfect backdrop to a variety of art genres. Texas, Fort Worth is typical of so many airports and has numerous innovative exhibitions on display. Whilst some may be permanent, there is an ever changing range of art which is there to be enjoyed for free. It is a great way to pass the time.
One of the most interesting exhibits is that by Dennis Oppenheim. Called ‘Crystal Mountain, ’ this huge 3-D sculpture is 30 feet x 40 feet, and is located at the north side of the new International Terminal D. Inspired by crystals, this aluminium sculpture has an arched tunnel running through the centre of it which is large enough for several people to pass through. It is this tunnel which supports the many crystalline structures which are attached at odd angles. Lit from inside, this exhibit entices you in to explore it further. Its production needed precision, and used techniques which included abrasive water jet cutting of the individual aluminium pieces. It is certainly a stunning centrepiece.
However, on the east side of Terminal D is an equally stunning exhibit called ‘Circling’ by Christopher Janney, which is a mixture of glass and terrazzo. This piece is a labyrinth of beautiful transparent coloured curved glass walls and a labyrinthine pattern on the floor. There is interactive sound along the path of this labyrinth. The artist wanted to provide an area which would allow travellers to step out of the airport environment and find a peaceful and restful area. Whilst the concentric circles are not apparent from ground level and appear as a maze, from the upper level its form is very visible. In shades of vivid turquoise and blue this dominates the centre of the area.
Described as a musician who designs buildings, and an architect who makes music, he was, in fact, trained as an architect and a jazz musician. He has produced a number of interactive art features such as the ‘Harmonic Runway’ in Miami International Airport, ‘Chromatic Oasis’ in Sacramento Airport, and ‘Touch My Building, ’ in Charlotte, North Carolina. The combination of colour and interactive sound makes his art unusual and exciting.
There can be no better way to while away the time between flights than by being entertained, inspired and stimulated by the variety of art exhibitions available for all to see and enjoy.