In the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Pedestrian Park, you can appreciate artwork that is as thoughtful and intentional as the park’s design while enjoying plenty of fresh air outside. It’s the best of both worlds. Throughout the park, you’ll find three fabulous works of art that were designed for park goers by nationally acclaimed artists.
The name of this magnificent piece is a nod to the pedestrian park’s historic location on the river front, where a sandy beach once naturally formed due to the river’s alluvium. (Alluvial derives from the Latin alluvium, which means a deposit of sand, mud, etc., formed by flowing water.) The Alluvial Mirror’s shape was influenced by a trumpet’s bell standing upright and reflecting the immediate surroundings on its polished surface. Enjoy some of the soul of New Orleans as you take in this outstanding artwork.
With a striking design and a prominent location at the entrance of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the Alluvial Mirror will serve as a beacon for the thousands of visitors who come to the Crescent City to enrich their lives at a conference, trade show, competition, civic endeavor or social experience.
Many great thinkers have come to New Orleans to reflect, gather, and create. At Contemplate, Congregate, you can too.
An illuminated art bench in the shape of two letter “C”s facing each other, Contemplate, Congregate provides respite from the fast-paced urban life where you can meet friends and soon-to-be friends. The curved shape becomes a panoramic, digital landscape where subtle color gradients and geometric patterns on the benches’ light panels slowly change.
You’ll see color schemes on special occasions like rainbow patterns for the Gay Pride Parade in June, purple, green and gold during carnival, and other special community events like poetry readings, art festivals, music jams, and more. Sit back, take it all in, and make a new friend or two in New Orleans!
Heart Full of Rhythm by artist Rontherin Ratliff pays homage to Louis Daniel Armstrong otherwise known as Satchmo. As one of the most influential figures in Jazz as a trumpeter and vocalist, we are reminded of his life work through his music. This piece acts as a visual reminder of the life and legacy of Satchmo.
“I was inspired by a quote of his that read ‘memory of things gone is important to a jazz musician.’ So the design of this trumpet reflects the fragmented nature of memories with just enough information to recall upon. My goal is to shine a light on the life of a musical legend raised in New Orleans. His legacy continues to pave the way for young musicians finding their voice in brass instruments.” – Rontherin Ratliff
Cicadence is an interactive work of art in the pedestrian park designed to welcome people from all over the world to the Convention Center. Cicadas can be found worldwide, so they are familiar to almost anyone who steps foot on our campus. The way in which different broods of cicadas emerge and come together on unique timelines mirrors the way attendees gather at the Convention Center for annual events.
The artwork’s interactivity invites attendees to feel welcome on our campus, as its design intuitively sparks curiosity and encourages further exploration. When the crank is turned, the wings flutter, and subtle sounds are emitted. This beautiful sculpture, located outside of Hall I, will shine brightly with color for all to enjoy, day or night, thanks to both internal and external lighting elements.
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