URBAN CORE ART PROJECT
SITE: The Center of the Universe, Brady Arts District
(Pedestrian bridge from the intersection of E Archer St. and N Boston Ave. to the intersections of E 1st St. and S Boston Ave.)
DATES: May 2016 - May 2018
Beginning May 2016, hundreds of LED pavers were installed by the two artists along the walkway circling the center of the bridge. Each LED paver is individually cast in resin, containing circuitry and software created by the artists through a nearly year-long collaboration from inception through to fabrication.
Daily the bricks charge via solar panels, and illuminate at dusk. White lights flicker on and off into the night and react to pedestrian foot traffic. When stepped on, the bricks illuminate a brilliant blue to visitors. Moments later they echo blue again, capturing the movements of pedestrians - a fleeting visual record of those who walked the path moments before.
This installation is the creation of two artists, Geoffrey Hicks and Grace Grothaus Grimm, both of whom share a fascination with the intersection of art and technology. Inspiration for the project arose from the contrast between the popularity of the pedestrian bridge, affectionately nicknamed by Tulsans as the Center of the Universe, and its lack of upkeep. They sought to add something to the location that would both improve it and delight visitors.
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UCAP acknowledges generous support from the Gerald H. Westby, Jr. Foundation, Bovaird Foundation, George Kaiser Family Foundation, Ruskin Art Club, Tom Wallace, Gail and Kip Richards, Elizabeth Hagans, Cathy Mayo Moore. The Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa and Downtown Coordinating Council are providing in-kind service.