Ascension Leaves from CODAworx on Vimeo.
Image courtesy of Olivia Davis for CODAworx
Ascension Leaves, a kinetic sculpture located the main lobby of the Moses Campus, represents transcendence, transformation and growth. Created from over 6500 leaves collected over the course of one year, each leaf has been hand-dyed in a gradient of color and arranged on varying lengths of microfilament streamers and installed in concentric circles in a chandelier-like configuration. The streamers are weighted with quartz stones. The sculpture is sited within the area of a circular stairwell connecting the ground and second floors in the lobby and measures up to 14’ H x 7.5’ D.
The success of Ascension Leaves is due to the sound collaboration of The Montefiore Fine Art Program, Office of Engineering, and the artist. This commission is Ando’s first project for a healthcare environment. In conceptualizing her proposal, she visited the site multiple times, meeting with physicians and associates and spoke with patients and caregivers about their experiences. Ando gathered leaves at The New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx. She worked closely with the Office of Engineering to prepare the site to receive the sculpture. Upon entering the lobby, one encounters an unexpected and intriguing kinetic sculpture created of real leaves. Through hand-dying in varying saturations of cerulean blue, the viewer’s eye is drawn upward. The sculpture is activated by its surroundings and responds in kind. And the opportunity to view the sculpture from below at ground level and at close range on the second floor is captivating. Everyone seeks to touch the leaves. The artwork Ando has created is healing. Ascension Leaves is understood within the context of a healthcare environment and has a positive affect on the patient’s well-being.
