“Current” by Janet Echelman (Photo: Infinite Impact, © Janet Echelman Inc.)
Floating above downtown Columbus, Ohio, is a new sculpture by artist Janet Echelman. Titled Current, the massive soft fiber installation spans 229 feet long and stretches 126 feet in the air at its highest point. It appears as an abstract cloud hovering over Gay and High Streets. At the right angle, it has an almost iridescent effect that makes the experience of walking through the city unexpectedly magical.
Echelman created the sculpture using 78 miles of twine and constructed it using more than 500,000 knots. This makes it the longest piece of public art in Columbus, and the artist’s first permanent sculpture to be suspended over a street.
The inspiration for Current was the metropolis itself. Echelman looked at the evolution of downtown Columbus and how it was an innovator in lighting; the city was an early adopter of its street arches being illuminated by gas lighting. Electricity has also been an important industry, too, which is reflected in the color choices. The piece transitions from red to blue to symbolize an electric current. At the same time, the hues reference the different parts of the city—namely historic red bricks and how they lead to Columbus' riverfront park.
While dazzling during the daytime, viewers can also appreciate Echelman’s work at night. It’s illuminated to show off a vibrant, highlighter version of red and blue.
Creating a permanent outdoor installation like Current is no small feat; Echelman leads a design team that includes engineers, computer scientists, and fabricators. The studio has crafted the project to withstand the Ohio climate, which gets cold and icy during the winter. The piece will hibernate each winter and be deinstalled to avoid ice acclamation. It will be reinstalled in the spring.
“As an artist, I follow nature,” Echelman says. “And I hope the winter functions like the absence of a lover, giving us a chance to experience it anew each spring.”
Floating above downtown Columbus, Ohio, is a new sculpture by artist Janet Echelman.
“Current” by Janet Echelman (Photo: Infinite Impact, © Janet Echelman Inc.)
Titled Current, the massive soft fiber installation spans 229 feet long and stretches 126 feet in the air at its highest point.
“Current” by Janet Echelman (Photo: Infinite Impact, © Janet Echelman Inc.)
It appears as an abstract cloud hovering over Gay and High Streets.
“Current” by Janet Echelman (Photo: Infinite Impact, © Janet Echelman Inc.)
At the right angle, it has an almost iridescent effect that makes the experience of walking through the city unexpectedly magical.
“Current” by Janet Echelman (Photo: Infinite Impact, © Janet Echelman Inc.)
Echelman created the sculpture using 78 miles of twine and constructed it using more than 500,000 knots.
“Current” by Janet Echelman (Photo: Infinite Impact, © Janet Echelman Inc.)
This makes it the longest piece of public art in Columbus, and the artist’s first permanent sculpture to the suspended over a street.
“Current” by Janet Echelman (Photo: Infinite Impact, © Janet Echelman Inc.)
While dazzling during the daytime, viewers can also appreciate Echelman’s work at night.
“Current” by Janet Echelman (Photo: Infinite Impact, © Janet Echelman Inc.)
It’s illuminated to show off a vibrant, highlighter version of red and blue.
“Current” by Janet Echelman (Photo: Infinite Impact, © Janet Echelman Inc.)
“Current” by Janet Echelman (Photo: Infinite Impact, © Janet Echelman Inc.)
