Imbrication Sculpture

Casting a glance at Imbrication, have you ever wondered about the artistry behind its overlapping patterns? Imbrication, created by Perri Lynch and unveiled on October 1, 2005, isn’t just a random arrangement of concrete. The sculpture’s design is rooted in a decorative style also called imbrication. This style features overlapping patterns, mimicking tiles on a roof or the scales of a fish. The word “imbrication” itself comes from the Latin “imbricare,” meaning “to cover with tiles.” This technique dates back to ancient Rome, saw a revival during the Italian Renaissance, and resurfaced again in 18th-century England with the neo-classical movement. Here in Albert Davis Park, Imbrication takes this ancient art form and gives it a modern twist. Lynch’s creation consists of 17 acid-stained, precast concrete sculptures, each shaped like a waveform. These waveforms, three complex ones at the park’s center and single ones cascading down the stairs, create a dynamic visual flow. A custom hatch cover, 25 1/2 feet in diameter, adds another layer of intrigue to the overall design. The concrete, stained with acid, gives Imbrication an earthy, textured appearance, while the sleek stainless steel of the hatch cover provides a contrasting industrial touch. Imagine the artist carefully selecting each concrete piece, envisioning how the light would play across the stained surfaces, and how the overall composition would interact with the park’s surroundings.