Spinnradl
Public Art
Cincinnati, Ohio • 2014
Two landmark interactive sculptures play music that evokes the rich cultural history of this diverse community. Wowhaus enlisted famed Swiss music box manufacturer Reuge to create perhaps the world’s larges analogues stainless steel music boxes. Leading a unique fabrication collaboration, Wowhaus engaged historic companies known for their craftsmanship: Cincinnati’s Verdin Bells & Clocks (Est. 1854), Rookwood Pottery, (Est. 1880) and Reuge (Est. 1864). Measuring 14’ h, these kinetic sculptures combine large music box elements with analog, radial Moire animations of a pulsing star, each powered by a hand crank. Extensive community engagement informed elements of the design of the artwork, funded by an NEA “Our Town” grant. The star motif references the unique history of the neighborhood, where tunnels from the Underground Railroad still exist. Slaves were guided by the North Star to find their way to freedom. Community members – including children who participated in the community engagement – will be the “community experts”, able to decipher and share the stories behind the artwork design, fostering a unique sense of ownership for the community.
Commissioned by: Artworks Cincinnati• Fabrication: The Verdin Company (engineering and fabrication of sculpture housing and gearing), Reuge (enigineering and fabrication of music boxes), Rookwood Pottery, KVO Industries Inc.