“Exhaled breath on a cold day” is how artist Ethan Kerber describes his work. The Inspire Statue before us embodies this concept. This public artwork stands at the intersection of 5th St NW & K St NW. It graces the CityVista building in the Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood.
Let’s delve into the story of this captivating piece named Inspire Statue. The D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities made this possible.
Installed on March 1, 2010, Inspire Statue is more than just metal. It represents the very essence of creativity. The Inspire Statue is a prominent feature of the CityVista building.
Ethan Kerber, the American artist behind Inspire Statue, is no stranger to urban inspiration. Raised in New York City, he drew from the city’s vibrant street art scene. He translated this energy into metalwork. Kerber describes his art as a reflection in metal of the urban environment.
The Inspire Statue itself is a sight to behold. Measuring 25 feet by 25 feet, it comprises five panels. These panels consist of 80 custom CNC plasma cut metal sheets. The Inspire Statue weighs approximately 3,500 pounds. The shades of blue evoke the image of breath on a cold day.
Kerber collaborated closely with architects and engineers on Inspire Statue. He used three-dimensional modeling software to ensure precision. The final image was programmed into a plasma cutter, which then cut the metal sheets accurately.
The title “Inspiration” holds a dual meaning for Kerber. It refers to the source of creativity. It also alludes to the functional role within the building’s breathing system. The Inspire Statue sits on an air intake vent on the facade.
In 2009, Kerber was chosen to create a dynamic installation for CityVista’s exterior wall. The Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District also participated in the selection.
Ethan Kerber is a Masters student from San Francisco State University. He works under the name Midnight Metal Works Inc. His work can also be seen at the Oakland Zoo.
The Inspire Statue stands as a testament to the power of public art. It enriches the urban landscape of Washington, D.C. It provides a visual representation of creativity and the interconnectedness of art and architecture. This artwork invites us to contemplate the sources of inspiration. It also encourages us to appreciate the beauty in our surroundings.