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Project Title The Windswept Wall
Project Completed 2019
Project Partners Brett McDanel and Anton Morton
Project Media Corten and Stainless Steel with LED Lighting
Overview
The Windswept Wall, a 2019 public artwork by Brett McDanel in collaboration with Anton Morton, isn’t simply a screen; it’s a living, breathing dialogue between the built environment and the prairie winds that shaped it. This 50-foot long, 7-foot-high structure, forged from corten and stainless steel and illuminated by subtly integrated LEDs, transcends its functional purpose, becoming a captivating focal point. Imagine the play of light and shadow across its undulating, convex surface, where abstract patterns of waving wheat seem to ripple and shift, mimicking the very motion of the wind. This visual dance creates a compelling tension, a conversation between the rigid geometries of the adjacent firehouse and the untamed grace of the surrounding landscape.
But the “Windswept Wall” offers more than just a beautiful surface. The choice of weathering corten steel is deliberate, its ever-changing patina echoing the passage of time and the cyclical nature of the prairie. It’s a material that speaks of resilience and transformation, mirroring the dedication and service embodied by the firehouse itself. Intriguingly, the wheat motif isn’t uniform. Three distinct, themed detail finishes are woven into the wheat applications, each hinting at a deeper connection to both the firehouse’s mission and the land it protects. These subtle variations invite closer inspection, prompting viewers to decipher their meaning and uncover the hidden narratives embedded within the artwork.
Commissioned through the Oklahoma City 1% for Art Program, The Windswept Wall arose from a rigorous design competition, a testament to the city’s commitment to enriching public spaces with meaningful art. The collaborative process, involving stakeholders from the fire department, the city, and the architectural team, ensured that the artwork not only met practical requirements but also resonated with the community it serves. More than just a decorative addition, The Windswept Wall stands as a powerful symbol, a visual reminder of the vital role the firehouse plays in safeguarding the community and a subtle invitation to contemplate our relationship with the land that sustains us. It’s a piece that invites contemplation, sparking curiosity and transforming an ordinary space into a place of discovery and respite for the fire team.
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