Brilliance is a family of six sculptures placed throughout the plaza between the Palo Alto Main Library and Arts Center. The evolving series increases in complexity and expresses growth through a sequence, drawing visitors from one form to the next. Each sculpture is composed of multi-lingual phrases collected from the community, cut out of steel and welded together in three-dimensional lantern-like forms. Public participation was an integral part of this project.

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The artists met with different language communities in the Bay area to select phrases that represented the diversity of the local population. Many visitors find joy in tracing the details of the lanterns, reading the phrases cut into their surface and recognizing their contribution to the project. Each lantern also includes a touch button that allows visitors to control the sculpture’s lighting. People can choose exactly the color they want with the press of a button.

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Date:

2014

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Location:

Palo Alto Arts Center, Palo Alto, CA

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Dimensions:

5' x 5' x 5' - 6 sculptures total

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Media:

stainless steel, LED lighting, electronics, touch sensor

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Commissioning Agency: 

City of Palo Alto

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Artist:

Joe O'Connell

Blessing Hancock