Sculptor Fred Eversley, an influential artist closely associated with the Light and Space movement, just unveiled his largest public sculpture installation today, titled "PORTALS." This permanent display, commissioned by Related Ross in partnership with the City of West Palm Beach, debuted at the new Julian Abele waterfront public park. The park is located near the historic First Church of Christ, Scientist, as well as One Flagler, a new 25-story building designed by architect David Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, which is scheduled to open in December 2024.
Rendering: PORTALS, Fred Eversley, Related Group
Designed in the Beaux-Arts style, the First Church of Christ, Scientist is a significant historic landmark in West Palm Beach. This architectural icon inspired Eversley’s "PORTALS" installation. Abele, recognized as one of the first prominent African American architects in the U.S., designed over 200 buildings, including Duke University and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26 of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. The church grounds will now feature a 1.25-acre public green space named "Julian Abele Park."
"PORTALS" comprises eight freestanding, 16.5-foot-tall parabolic sculptures made of mirror-polished stainless steel. These sculptures are reminiscent of Abele’s eight ionic church columns and Child’s octonary light tower composition, symbolically connecting the past and future. The repetition of pure geometric forms reflects the Beaux-Arts and Neo-Classical movements. Each arch-shaped sculpture offers an immersive experience, allowing viewers to engage with its mesmerizing optical qualities and reflective nature, encouraging introspection.
The parabolic, tapered cylindrical shapes act as mirror reflectors, concentrating energy toward a focal point and creating kinetic reflective effects. The eight sculptures are arranged in a grand arc, with individual focal points that rotate toward a central convergence at the reflecting pool’s southern edge. Each Portal’s alignment with the sun varies throughout the day, casting shifting shadows. The entire sculpture acts as an abstract sundial, mirroring changes in light, weather, and time against the sky and surroundings.
"PORTALS" is Eversley’s largest public art installation to date and will become part of West Palm Beach’s ArtLife WPB program. The commission was awarded by Related Ross executives and Culture Corps, a consultancy founded by Doreen Remen and Yvonne Force Villareal.
Eversley describes "PORTALS" as rising gracefully from dark water, reflecting the church’s columns and creating a welcoming passage. The installation completes a symbolic trilogy alongside the church and One Flagler, with eight sculptures representing a recurring theme of timelessness. Eversley views "PORTALS" as a tribute to Abele, bringing renewed value to his legacy.
“We believe that public art creates shared experiences and moments of discovery,” says Gopal Rajegowda, EVP/Partner at Related Ross. “Julian Abele Park at One Flagler is the perfect setting for an iconic artwork by Fred Eversley. ‘PORTALS’ honors Abele and the historic church while connecting past and present."
West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James adds, “By preserving the historic First Church of Christ, Scientist and commissioning this monumental artwork, Related Ross and Fred Eversley are giving West Palm Beach a lasting gift that will captivate residents, visitors, and art enthusiasts alike.”
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