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| Ursula Von Rydingsvard |
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katul katul
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Completion Date:
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2003
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Medium:
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Polyester plastic and aluminum
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Dimensions:
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40' x 40'
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Location:
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Queens Family Courthouse
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Address:
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151-120 Jamaica Avenue, Queens
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Architect:
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Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, Gruzen-Samton
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Sponsor Agency:
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Dormitory Authority of the State of New York
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Design Agency:
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Office of Court Administration
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Housed inside the Queens
Family Courthouse, Ursula von Rydingsvard's katul katul hovers in the
center of the building's 40-by-40 foot atrium ceiling. Suspended five floors
above the building's lobby is a twenty-two foot dome, from which extend two
tentacles. Composed of over 200 individual pieces, the dome and tentacles have
an opaque finish that diffuse an airy feeling throughout the building. Made
entirely of polyester plastic and aluminum, the massive sculpture adds light and
whimsy to the building; the sculpture's tentacles for instance carry light from
the building's ceiling to the ground floor. Named after a Polish children's game
that mimics how dough is rhythmically kneaded, the title further complements the
light-hearted, engaging nature the sculpture exudes. Purposefully abstracted,
von Rydingsvard's amorphous sculpture encourages viewers to forge a personal
relationship with the artwork. Greeting the public with warmth and an air of
mystery, katul katul
defies conventional categorization.
About the Artist...
Born in Germany to Polish parents, Ursula von Rydingsvard's artwork is often inspired by her eastern European roots. After spending five years in a German refugee camp for displaced Polish citizens, von Rydingsvard moved to Connecticut at the age of eight. After receiving degrees from Columbia University, and the University of Miami, Coral Gables, it became clear to Ursula that a career in art was her path of choice. An internationally renowned sculpture artist, von Rydingsvard has exhibited in venues including KolnSkulptur in Koln, Germany, Storm King Art Center in Mountainville, New York, and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, in Wakefield, England.
Artist Quote...
I wanted a spiritual presence and an elegant reconfirmation through light at this family courthouse where grisly things happen. The presence of the sculpture is experienced in large part by the way the sculpture contains, transmits, and negotiates the light around the five floors [of the court house.] The aim was to energize the air with shifting structures. -- von Rydingsvard
