Cultivus Loci - Sumus, 1999
Sumus was a site-specific installation inspired by the historical background of the Mount Royal Train Station, its use as a facility for the interdisciplinary Sculpture and Fiber departments of the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), and the experiments of sensory inhibitors by Dr. Georg von Békésy. Once the host of the B&O railroad’s new electrified Baltimore Belt Railroad system, the station building now accommodates the art school, which retained many of the features original to the building’s 1896 construction. Playing off the structures of Mt. Royal Station and the reflective nature of the Organ of Corti, or the “spiral organ”, which translates vibrations into sound, the appearance of Sumus shifts from every possible perspective.
Mount Royal Train Station, Baltimore, MD.
Wood, steel, mirrored plexiglass, banana peels, window screening, audio.
Dimensions: 10’ square base, 16’ square top, 8’ high
Nimbus from the ground floor upon entering the gallery
Nimbus from the second story balcony
Confronted by the towering diamond-like form, one is encouraged to look up at the architectural splendor of the building.
Water sounds emanate from the second floor, drawing the viewer upstairs to the balcony. Looking down into the piece from the second story balcony is the only accessible vantage point from which to study the interior of the wooden vessel.
Some parts are broken up into chaotic bits while others gain strength as they are multiplied and bent in the plexiglass mirrors.
Second floor balcony vantage - the effect of looking down into the box is similar to looking into a kaleidoscope. Details of the view are forever changing. Interior vessel dimensions: 7'4" x 8' x 9'
The interior of Sumus is lined with mirrored Plexiglass that reflects the walls, columns, arches, and original terrazzo floor of the building. A linear steel structure radiates off the central octagon of the train station floor. Banana peels strung on the outer steel octagon create a wreath, crown or necklace. The form is a poetic interpretation of the mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems that make up the Corti, or inner ear. The experience is enhanced by audio that combines the breathing, arm movements, and kicking of the artist swimming.
View from outside the gallery
The octagonal water vessel inside Sumus is 42" D
The water vessel was placed directly atop the octagonal space where the original heating element for the Mt. Royal Station was located.
Wreath of banana peels suspended above the water vessel. The peels represent the hair cells within the Organ of Corti, which sense vibrations and contribute to audition.
The arching ceiling of the Mt. Royal Station. The windows are covered with layers of screen that create a moire, or water-like, pattern, and create an aqua color throughout the piece.
From the second story balcony, one can see and hear water circulating in troughs below the arched windows. The windows are covered with layers of screen that create a moire, or water-like, pattern.