SHAW: Preview - Art Installation "Symphony in DC Major"

I was privileged this week to be invited (by Roadside Development) to an advanced viewing/work in progress reception at the studio of renowned sculptor/artist and creator of the upcoming art installation titled 'Symphony in DC Major', Zachary Oxman. Presented by Roadside Development and Longview Gallery the evening provided insight into both the City Market/P Street NW art project and the Longview Gallery's exhibition of Zachary Oxman's work "Optic Symphony: Movements in Steel" that coincides with the unveiling on P Street in June.

As the recent article here related, the 120 ft by 16ft art installation features three notable figures from the Shaw neighborhood's history, Union Army Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, composer and jazz musician, and DC native Edward “Duke” Ellington and American Expressionist painter and Shaw Junior High School art teacher, Alma Thomas.   

Roadside Development (who developed City Market at O) along with Shaw Main Streets and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities commissioned the installation

On display today two of the three major segments are near completion and the third is well on its way. My first impressions are a compilation of vibrant color, amazing 3D effect and a eye/mind boggling features.

Fighting back the temptation to 'show all', lets start with Alma Thomas - this is the one that still requires most work, but is a wonderful example of how the segments are put together.

Alma Thomas still in the work-shop

In the above photo you can see a concave polished steel (broken) circle with the central sphere that, when lit, provides the optical illusion that creates the face, in this case Alma Thomas. The lit sphere also provides the connection to the painted steel body below (in the Alma Thomas segment). 
The hands are made of multiple flat surfaces creating the 3D effect.

From this angle you can see the multiple layers that make up the 3D effect

That 3D effect is best displayed in 'Duke' Ellington's hands (below)

 

Below you are looking at the lit sphere on the Colonel Shaw segment, the surrounding concave polished steel is reflecting his uniform, the flag and part of his face all of which are painted on the sphere, the rest of the face provided by the painting on the front of the sphere, providing the 3D and Optical effect.

So, that is just a taste of the incredible installation that is only weeks away from its home in Shaw. The unveiling will take place on June 11th at 6pm till 8pm...Shaw residents you should make a point to attend, this is a major installation in Shaw and DC. The unveiling will take place on P Street NW, between 7th and 8th Street's at City Market.


Also it is highly recommended that you visit Zachary Oxman web site, to view his exceptional sculptures, or maybe revisit the Duke Ellington sculpture located by the Howard Theatre at T Street NW and Florida Avenue.

Following the unveiling, Longview Gallery will be holding a reception (at their 9th Street gallery) to kick off a month-long solo exhibition of Oxman’s works at the Shaw-based gallery. Badwolfdc has seen some of the works that will be exhibited (hopefully I will get the chance to preview) and I can highly recommend the exhibition, so make a point of visiting Longview Gallery.

My thanks to Roadside Development & Longview Gallery for inviting me to the preview. It really was a unique opportunity to see Mr Oxman's work, and, Thank you for bringing this amazing art installation to the Shaw neighborhood.