Bloom is a group of fourteen colorful kinetic sculptures hung in the stairwell of the Alexian Brothers Women & Children’s Hospital. Composed of vibrantly colored petals, the sculptures evoke child-like representations of flowers and stand out against the glass atrium setting. The monumental scale of the installation creates a sense of wonder for all visitors.

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Each ‘bloom’ is connected to a motor and slowly rotates creating kinetic movement that draws the eye upward and activates the otherwise-static lobby space. These hybrid blossom-pinwheels create a vibrant and hopeful image celebrating the life and renewal associated with new flowers in springtime. The artwork gives visitors a sense of joy even in the hospital setting.

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A panel on the railing allows visitors to control the spinning pinwheels through touchpoints. The chance to control the movement of the pinwheels enchants children and adults alike.

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Date:

2014

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Location:

Alexian Brothers Women and Children's Hospital, Hoffman Estates, IL

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Dimensions:

sizes vary​

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Media:

colored acrylic, steel, electronics

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Commissioning Agency: 

Alexian Brothers Health System

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Artist:

Joe O'Connell