Sculpting at the scale of cities

How can we enhance public spaces in cities so that they engage individuals and communities? What can encourage us to slow down and take a moment of pause in our busy lives? Artist Janet Echelman explores these questions in cities across the world; from London, Amsterdam, and Boston, to San Francisco, Singapore, and Sydney. Her creations are more than objects to look at – they are living environments viewers can get lost in.

In this webinar, Echelman shares her journey and offers insights to her craft, which combines ancient craft with cutting-edge technology to create monumental, ultra-lightweight art that sways gently with the wind. Her installations seem to live and breathe independently; they encourage passers-by to participate and immerse themselves in the art – inviting viewers to have a personal dialogue and dynamic relationship with both the art and its setting.

Watch this webinar to understand the role collaboration plays in Echelman's practice and how she works with a wide team of designers, engineers, city planners, and others to create and coordinate her large-scale sculptures. Hear how Echelman's team uses technology, including custom software tools for soft-body modeling, in addition to developing platforms that facilitate interaction between members of the public and her artwork. Discover how art can be used to create a communal urban experience and become focal points for civic life.