Behold Trigadilly a vibrant abstract sculpture. It stands proudly in Union Center Plaza at 820 First Street NE. This isn’t just any sculpture. It’s a testament to balance and whimsy. Artist Chas Coburn created this masterpiece in 1990. It was dedicated a year later in 1991.
Trigadilly’s name is quite unique. It comes from the challenge of balancing its massive size on a relatively small base. Coburn himself described it as “a dilly of a trig problem”. The sculpture is enormous. It’s approximately 35 feet tall and weighs 6 and a half tons. Despite its size it feels surprisingly light and airy.
The sculpture is made of painted steel. Its colors are bold reds blues and yellows. These colors pop against the urban backdrop. The three main sections intertwine. They seem to defy gravity. A long steel rope elegantly spirals upwards adding to the dynamic feel. This work of art wasn’t commissioned by chance. Greenebaum & Rose Associates wanted something special. They wanted it for the new CNN building.
Trigadilly’s journey to this spot is interesting. The Zenith Gallery in Washington D.C. handled the commission. The sculpture was surveyed in 1993 as part of the Smithsonian’s Save Outdoor Sculpture program. It was described as “well maintained” at the time. Its bright colors still catch the eye today. Its unique design continues to spark conversations.
Coburn’s artistic vision was to provoke thought. He wanted viewers to contemplate seemingly simple things. He wanted to encourage appreciation for the simple things in life. The beauty of Trigadilly lies in its unexpected balance. It’s a vibrant splash of color and form. It’s a reminder to look closely at the world around us. To truly see the simple wonders. Trigadilly stands as a symbol of creative ingenuity. It invites contemplation on the beauty of balance and the unexpected.