project overview
Times Square Arts commissioned Powerhouse Arts to project manage, fabricate, install, and deinstall Pamela Council’s A Fountain for Survivors, exhibited as a public art activation in Times Square. A Fountain for Survivors is an exuberant life- affirming monument for survivors of all kinds. The work is Council’s first public artwork and their largest work to date.
Inspired by the protective carapace of many arthropods, the sculpture is adorned with a mosaic of nearly 400,000 bedazzled acrylic fingernails, hundreds of which are hand painted by local nail artists. Inside the sculpture resides a vibrant multi-tiered fountain that sings a collection of pop and hip-hop anthems that embody survival. Visitors are invited to toss specially made tablets, or “Wishing Wafers” into the water, effusing a scent of Florida Water as they fizz and dissolve in an offering to survivors of all kinds.
The fabrication techniques involved in constructing the work include 3D modeling, 3D printing, hand sculpting of EPS foam, CNC milling, sound design, DMX Lighting system, polyurea hard coating spray application, and hand application of thousands of acrylic nails. Approximately 60 makers were involved in the fabrication and assembly. Lastly, the Printshop silk-screened 6 color posters in conjunction with the exhibition.
A Fountain for Survivors was exhibited in Father Duffy Square, which makes up the northern end of Times Square from October 14th to December 7th, 2021.
Project Team Members (Powerhouse Arts Staff): Art Domantay, Reid Farrington, Jeremy Gender, Jacob Olmedo, Larry Oraa, Candy Truong, Marie Ucci
Commissioner/Funder/Presenter(s): Times Square Arts
