Client: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

Overview

For the Julia Street entrance to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center artist Patrick Marold designed Alluvial Mirror, a sculpture that pays homage to the pedestrian park’s historic location on the river front where a sandy beach once naturally formed due to the river’s alluvium. Alluvial, derived from the Latin alluvius, refers to the soils deposited by surface water. The alluvium of the river and its mineral deposits are complimented by the New Orleans community and culture that has developed, transformed and established itself over the centuries.

Goals

Alluvial Mirror’s form is influenced by a trumpet’s bell, standing upright, referencing New Orleans vibrant music scene. The form physically blends the surroundings into an abstracted fan of color and light, embracing the dynamic conditions of the day and night. The sky and architecture are visually bound in the reflective stainless steel and the viewers perspective is manipulated to include an expanded peripheral field of vision. Movement of people, passing autos and the sky are further enhanced as the viewer approaches or passes by the sculpture.