PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Located along the primary approach to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, this commissioned sitework symbolizes and articulates Abraham Lincoln’s continuing significance to American life and culture. The obelisk-like form is slightly tilted and torqued, to suggest human and constitutional distortions, traumas, and foibles. Its materiality bridges from the industrial strength and perseverance of rusted steel rooted in the land, to the impervious, laser-cut stainless steel of its upper form – reaching skyward. Its form and materiality evoke artillery, monuments, entombment, rocketry, and progression over time. The lower section, comprised of rusted steel panels, is inscribed with Lincoln’s written and spoken statements, co-selected with historians. The upper section is comprised of stainless-steel panels with inscriptions on the front, words that suggest Lincoln’s character and principles – societal goals that were achieved or remain unresolved. At nighttime, pinpoint spotlights mounted on springy platforms within the structure, project words co-generated with local minority residents through laser-cut steel gobos on the back – a Victorian Age technology. The artform transforms at night – through illumination and the quivering projection of contested societal ideals and imperatives onto the Museum walls – to become a beacon of American endurance through decades of history, still unfolding.

PROJECT INFORMATION

Entry Type: Single Entry

Channel: Cross-Media

Primary Role of the Designer: Designer as activist

Client Relationship: Unknown (NA) / Other (if other, please explain) Commission awarded via competition

Intention of the Project: Unknown (NA) / Other (if other, please explain) To correlate Lincoln's legacy with contemporary social issues

Development Budget: $10,001 – $50,000

Production/Execution Budget: More than $100,000

Source of Funding: Other (if other, please explain) State Agency - Illinois Art-in-Architecture Program

Typefaces: 946 Latin Dense 2 (expanded), Rigid Square Semibold,

Paper:

Materials: Laser-cut stainless steel, aluminum, acrylic resin, concrete, LED fixtures

CREDIT INFORMATION

Creative Director:

Art Director: BJ Krivanek

Designers: Joel Breaux

Researchers:

Developers:

Copywriter:

Illustrator:

Photographer: BJ Krivanek

Printer:

Producer:

Other Credits: Christian McWhirter - Editor; State of Illinois Art-in-Architecture Program - Funding

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