Street Windows from the collection of Arts New Orleans

Street Windows, 1990

Painted steel

Location: Henry Thomas Dr. & Friedrichs Ave (Google map)

In 1990, John T. Scott designed this artwork as a "visual" kinetic work, in which the artwork itself does not move, but is to be seen primarily by viewers in moving vehicles. The artist's concept for Street Windows originated with the tall, graceful windows in New Orleans and their beautiful views. These windows help frame the surrounding landscape, thus as the viewer's position changes, so does the "picture" in the window. All sculpture is composed of both positive and negative shapes, and in this piece, the artist encourages us to view the "negative" space of the landscape seen through the framed windows, and become more aware of the beautiful natural art that always surrounds us.

Although initially planned for the Navarre Street neutral ground areas, its current placement in City Park (Golf Drive & Friedrichs Boulevard) allows Park and New Orleans Museum of Art visitors the opportunity to "see" the splendor of the surrounding landscape.

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About the artist

John T. Scott

American

1940-2007

Artist John Scott was born and raised in New Orleans’s Ninth Ward. He taught at Xavier University for more than 40 years and was named a MacArthur Fellow in 1992 by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, a highly prestigious honor that came at the height of his career.

Scott was known for creating vibrant kinetic sculptures that explored topics ranging from the West African diddly-bow string instrument to the rhythms and movements inspired by enslaved dancers in early 19th-century in New Orleans’s famed Congo Square. His large woodcuts drew heavily upon life in the city, especially its rich Afro-Caribbean culture and musical heritage.

Additional Details

About the artist

John T. Scott