BIG BRIGHT STEEL

Big Bright Steel is over 7500 lbs. of laser cut, repurposed ‘scrap‘ steel from the automotive engine industry. Riley and Kennerk’s use of this scrap steel extends the notion of economy evident in the layout of the various parts by engineers who plan the laser cuts to maximize the gain and minimize waste. The structured randomness and dynamic color-plays of the uniquely patterned steel sheets embody the notion of schemata as concept.

Referred to as “skeletons” and slated for melt down, the majority of the sheets measure 5.5 feet x 10 ft with a few select smaller remnant sheets. Aside from painting the steel, the artists decided to work exclusively with the materials as they found them which includes the ‘bracket’ feet that stand them in place. Most sheets weigh approximately 80-200 lb. while a few thinner sheets of metal weight as little as 40-60lb. A palette of six bright nature inspired colors form the basic color concept with several admixtures created some of the more unusual pieces.

The skeleton surfaces resemble delicate and fanciful ornamentation, latticework and lacework. Once brightly colored and placed in vertical layers, they evoke poetic associations from a kaleidoscopic-rose window to the increasing effects of culture upon, civilization upon environment.

The steel used in BIG BRIGHT STEEL was generously donated by the Aton Family owners of Noblitt Fabricating in Columbus Indiana. Noblitt produces steel parts for Cummins Inc., a company that manufactures engines, including the Diesel engines used by Mercedes Benz.

The original installment of BIG BRIGHT STEEL, configured as two free standing clusters was on exhibition at IUCA+D, Indiana University Center for Art and Design, a new art and design academic initiative between the city of Columbus Indiana and Indiana University. The second configuration was at Cummins’ Technical Headquarters also in Columbus IN, where BIG BRIGHT STEEL had a bit of a home-coming as it was there that most of the engine design parts were initially conceived. The Headquarters is a Harry Weese designed building that features a glass arcade wrapping the ground floor. BIG, BRIGHT STEEL was installed in two tight groups and one long stretchedout grouping.

Finally, BIG, BRIGHT STEEL was reimagined as a significant public permanent installation Commissioned by Two Trees Management of Brooklyn, NY. BIG, BRIGHT STEEL, MH, is a 60 foot long sculpture in an 8 x 8 foot display space visible from the sidewalk at 54th Street between 10th and 11th Avenue at Mercedes House, a residential complex taking its name from the Mercedes Benz flagship dealership located in the same building. BIG, BRIGHT STEEL is a perfect fit for the buildings unique stepped design and its location within Manhattan’s automotive mile.