Client: Art Omi

Overview

Babble, Pummel, and Pride, II is sited in a picturesque corner of the Art Omi wetland pond and creates a unique gathering space. The roofed structure with its swinging benches and fountain pumping water from the pond onto the roofs gives viewers a chance to be lulled by the babble of the fountain, but also threatened by the possibility of entering the spray zone. A true folly in the landscape.

Art Omi, Ghent, NY
25’ x 36’ x 10.5’
Corten & stainless steel, glass, water

Goals

Every park, in this case, a sculpture and architectural installation park, needs a fountain, a swing, and a gazebo.

Process

John Grant (Public Art Services) provided design development and fabrication services for the structure and installation. Nick Geurts (Yetiweurks) provided design and structural engineering services.

Additional Information

In his public art practice, Matthew Geller’s participatory sculptures become one of the building blocks that make a space a destination. As such, the work activates the site and promotes interaction among visitors, often creating intimate moments in a singularly public space. Part of his work’s success is that it is physically experiential: viewers understand that there is a place for themselves in it. His sculptures enable moments of respite and delight, befitting the site's functional and visual context. He purposefully uses materials from the everyday environment creating a level of connection to the familiar while highlighting elements of awe and beguilement. The idea is to surprise while fostering the sense of an inclusive community around an unlikely object or location, creating a micro public square or landmark. By considering behavioral design and incorporating dynamic elements activated by people and changes in the weather, the resulting work is in constant flux. Ultimately, the artwork’s goal will be to engender a sense of wonder, enhancing the community and visitor experience.