Matt Lowe

Learning to Fly , 2005

by Matt Lowe

Mediums: Steel

Location: Hilton | Qwest Center; North side of the Qwest Center 455 N. 10th Street

Owner: Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

Series: Art 4 Omaha

Additional Information: The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts created the Artist-in-Industry Steel Collaboration Project with Valmont Industries and Qwest Center Omaha as a way to bring dynamic contemporary art directly to the public. Forty-one artists submitted proposals to the Bemis Center’s national sculpture competition. This piece was created by Matt Lowe. “Learning to Fly” is based upon the notion of flight or motion. The sculpture’s frame-like structure is similar to the skeletal frame used by the Wright Brothers in designing the Kitty Hawk. The box slipcovers that fit over the frame are patterned after traditional box kites. The form’s upward motion is purposeful and vertically unfolds into space. The sculpture’s worshipful posture emulates openness and movement. The colors chosen reflect the colors of sky at dawn, a time that represents promise and of hope for things yet undiscovered.