River Monument (glomus)
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The artist collective SIMPARCH developed “River Monument (glomus)” to embody the Ohio River and the constant element of driftwood. The natural water-worn debris and unique biomorphic character of each piece of collected driftwood became the artists’ medium for a monument to Louisville’s mighty Ohio River. The “glomus” is a work of controlled chaos, using abundant driftwood and found objects from the River to create a writhing, spherical mass, restrained from within by a geometric steel structure. Beyond the use of found materials, SIMPARCH adds additional layers of responsiveness to site and context by addressing the cacophony of sound – vehicular, barge, and rail – along the River. A solar-powered system hides inside the “glomus”, emanating an arrangement of sound composed by Kevin Drumm to challenge the existing audial experience. The “glomus” has earned nicknames such as “lollipop” and “dandelion”, and quickly became a destination to enjoy or rest in its shade.
PROJECT LOCATION
PROJECT TEAM
Commission on Public Art
Via Partnership, LLP