Maquette for Vigil

Media - 1979.159.26 - SAAM-1979.159.26_1 - 60735
Copied William Scott, Maquette for Vigil, 1978, cast aluminum on painted aluminum base, 14 5815 1413 in. (37.238.733.0 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the General Services Administration, Art-in-Architecture Program, 1979.159.26

Artwork Details

Title
Maquette for Vigil
Date
1978
Dimensions
14 5815 1413 in. (37.238.733.0 cm)
Credit Line
Transfer from the General Services Administration, Art-in-Architecture Program
Mediums
Mediums Description
cast aluminum on painted aluminum base
Classifications
Keywords
  • Abstract
  • Study — sculpture model
  • General Services Administration — Art-in-Architecture Program
Object Number
1979.159.26

Artwork Description

This is a model for a large sculpture that was part of the General Services Administration's Art-in-Architecture program. The program commissioned artworks to show the vibrancy of America's visual art and bring civic meaning to federal architecture. Vigil is a kinetic sculpture with freestanding stainless-steel elements that reflect light and rotate in the wind. It is located on the east plaza of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City and miraculously survived the bombing attack on that building in 1995. Four years later the piece was returned to its original location on the plaza after being cleaned and repaired and is now adjoined to a memorial garden. A former building employee recalled people interacting with the ten-foot panels on a regular basis by spinning them around, creating a surprisingly playful experience on the grounds of an imposing concrete building.