“What if utility poles could tell stories?” That’s the question Alison Wright seems to ask with Old Growth New/Now. It stands right here in Culver City. This isn’t just some random collection of poles. It’s a carefully crafted piece of public art.
Old Growth New/Now is more than meets the eye. It’s a reflection on technology and history. Alison Wright designed it with graphic designer Jeanie Chong. William D. Feldman of Venice Pacific Investments supported it. The installation was completed in 2018.
Look closely at these towering structures. The two main poles rise 40 feet high. They are not connected by power lines like typical utility poles. Instead, solar panels power the artwork making it glow at night. This illuminates the area with a soft light.
Notice the glass panels mounted on the electric poles. These panels display historic images. These images come from the archives of Southern California Edison and the Culver City Historical Society. One side shows these historical photos.
Now turn to the other side of the glass panels. Here you will see an image of a Douglas Fir tree. Why a Douglas Fir? Because utility poles were often made from this type of tree. It’s a subtle nod to the origins of these structures.
Consider the location of Old Growth New/Now. It stands opposite the Culver City Metro Station. This placement is deliberate. It encourages passersby to stop and think. The artwork sits in a line of trees within a parking area. It is part of Culver Crossing. This is a retail and office complex near the Helms Building and Platform.
Think back to a time when electric poles represented cutting-edge technology. Old Growth New/Now invites us to do just that. The installation reminds us of the past. It also makes us consider what we lose as technology evolves.
Reflect on the images displayed. One notable image is of the Big Creek Waterfall from 1921. This waterfall was an early source of electricity for Los Angeles. The artwork highlights this connection to the region’s history.
Imagine a world without utility poles. No more tangled wires. No more birds perched on high. Old Growth New/Now acknowledges this potential future. It prompts us to consider what we might miss. The artist encourages people to think about the simple things. Dangling shoes on wires become a distant memory. The phrase “bird on a wire” loses its meaning.
Old Growth New/Now is not just art. It is a historical exhibition. It preserves memories of a time when utility poles were essential. The artwork transforms these aging pieces of infrastructure.
The 56 pieces of glass are supported by the electric poles and cross arms. This creates a unique visual effect. The dimensions of the installation are impressive at 40’ x 12’ x 2’-9”.
As you stand here take a moment to appreciate Old Growth New/Now. It is a reminder of our past. It also shows us the possibilities of public art. Alison Wright has transformed ordinary objects into something extraordinary. This art prompts us to think about technology, history and progress.