San Fransisco
United States

Status: Working

Description: Sculptor John Atkin - The concept of movement in Hard Bop was derived from the notion of musical rhythm and in particular the movement of a conductor’s baton, as it slices its way rhythmically through the air. Initial studies also suggested that these “shapes” were evocative of written musical notes, a codification of sound. These “shapes” were then connected by five vertical poles, which were metaphors for the structure of written music (stave), as well as the strings of several musical instruments. The concept of musical instruments became more significant and the overall form evolved in such a way that it became a blend of several intrinsically linked factors: a non-specific instrument, rhythm, printed music structure, and essence of human interaction, (as expressed through the use of garment template shapes). Later on, I used specific imagery, such as machine head keys, elegant forms used to correct the sound generated from instruments.” The sculpture is supplanted atop a gently cascading water feature, which adds to the social ambience of the space as well as the notion of music, a central theme of the iconic artwork. The reflective qualities of the water are a key component of the artwork whatever the time of day or season.My main interest is in integrating a space into a place where friends and the community can meet and socialise, reinforcing the notion of Fillmore Plaza as a signature site in San Francisco, while celebrating Fillmore’s unique identity as the home of West Coast Jazz. Researching the historical prerequisites of the site and experiencing the neighbourhood’s diverse population and vibrancy first-hand allowed me to discreetly infuse the sculpture with ideas resonant of the identity of the locale, particularly West Coast Jazz, as well as the cadence of pedestrian traffic associated with the passage of time.

Position: The sculpture is located within the Fillmore Plaza development of the Fillmore District

Date built: October 2008

Additional details: The sculpture was commissioned by Sculpturesite (SFO) on behalf of Laramar Group

Owner: Laramar Group

Link: www.johnatkin.net

Email: john@johnatkin.net

Telephone: +44 (0)7768512014