At the inception of the project, community members expressed a desire for an artwork that embodies rejuvenation, is highly visible, brightly colored, and speaks to everyone regardless of artistic background. Community members shared the ranching history of this area, built on land that originally was part of the Harris Farm, a Hereford ranch belonging to Dr. Charles Harris. They also pointed out that this community, originally built to support the aeronautical industry and provide housing for Carswell and General Dynamic employees and their families, now has the most diverse demographic in the City.
After meeting with community members, the artist conducted additional research into the industry, history and characteristics of the community, seeking ways to address their goals for the artwork. After presenting several concepts for feedback, Reigelman chose one to develop further– a playful approach that nods to the movement of traffic through the roundabout and its directional street signs. Additionally, the artwork acknowledges the community’s rich aeronautical history as the spiral form references the circular air patterns created by airplane wingtips.
The artwork’s steel and aluminum structure energetically rises from the roundabout surface and extends 20 feet into the air, acting as a bold and whimsical landmark for Fort Worth’s Las Vegas Trail community. The brightly colored artwork seeks to embody the goals set forth by community members at the inception of the project; uplifting, inspiring, embodying hope and revitalization. Dedication details coming soon.
About the Artist
Site-specificity is fundamental to artist Mark Reigelman’s process. Reigelman conducts research of an area’s community activities, industry and history to learn how people engage with their community and environment. With this information he creates a conceptual map of site-specific themes. The artist says “By questioning expected qualities and identities, my wide range of public works convey nuanced ideas, enhance the environment, generate relevant conversations about public space and engage audiences in novel ways.”
Many of Mark Reigelman’s projects have been recognized by the Americans for the Arts for their excellence in the public art realm. Reigelman’s work has been included in museum exhibitions including at The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Oklahoma City Museum of Art, the New Britain Museum of American Art, and The Museum of Modern Art in New York. His work has been featured in publications including The New York Times and New York Magazine. Mark Reigelman studied sculpture and industrial design at the Cleveland Institute of Art in Cleveland, OH and product design at Central St. Martin’s College of Art and Design in London, UK. The Artist lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.
