Momentum - CODAworx

Momentum

Client: Agenus

Location: San Francisco, CA, United States

Completion date: 2024

Project Team

Artist

marcus guillard

LMNL Studio

Designer

Eduardo Teran

LMNL Studio

Overview

“Momentum” is an evocative sculpture, a testament to the pioneering strides in cancer research championed by Agenus. This work of art transcends mere representation, embodying an inspirational gesture that aspires towards the celestial, symbolizing the universal battle against cancer that touches all of humanity.

The sculpture is composed of four elegantly curved spires, each ascending from a solid foundation and tapering gracefully to a fine, soaring point. These upward-reaching forms are emblematic of hope and the relentless pursuit of a cure. The subtly curved lines of the spires evoke a sense of dynamism and growth, mirroring the progressive journey of scientific discovery and medical advancement.

Crafted from mirror-finished stainless steel, the spires possess a reflective quality that captures and refracts light, creating a shimmering interplay of reflections that changes with the viewer’s perspective and the time of day. This choice of material not only imbues the sculpture with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic but also serves as a metaphor for the reflective nature of research—constantly evolving and advancing.

Enhancing this kinetic experience are the integrated backlit LED pixel screens, which project and display bespoke video content.

Goals

The "Momentum" project has several key goals:

Inspiration and Hope:

Symbol of Optimism: Serve as a powerful symbol of hope and the potential for breakthroughs in cancer research.
Emotional Resonance: Inspire those affected by cancer and reinforce the progress being made.
Awareness and Education:

Public Engagement: Engage the public and raise awareness about advancements in cancer research.

Aesthetic and Technological Integration:

Innovative Design: Merge cutting-edge technology with contemporary art.


Commemoration and Tribute:

Honor and Memorial: Tribute to those who have battled cancer and the efforts of researchers.
Universal Impact: Emphasize the shared global impact of cancer research.

Community and Collaboration:

Symbol of Unity: Highlight the collective effort in combating cancer.

"Momentum" aims to be a beacon of hope, and a symbol of unity in the fight against cancer.

Process

LMNL worked closely with Agenus to develop a site specific art work:

Initial Concept Development:

Vision Alignment: The process began with LMNL and Agenus aligning their visions. Both parties shared a commitment to creating a sculpture that would not only be visually stunning but also deeply meaningful and reflective of Agenus' pioneering work in cancer research.

Artistic Design: Marcus Guillard and Eduardo Teran of LMNL took the lead in conceptualizing the initial designs. They focused on creating a structure that would embody the upward-reaching, aspirational gesture representative of Agenus’ mission.
Technical Consultation: LMNL Studio worked with One Hat One Hand to ensure that the artistic vision could be realized practically. This included discussions on materials, structural integrity, and the integration of LED technology.

Collaborative Reviews: Regular review meetings were conducted where LMNL presented design drafts and models to Agenus. Feedback from Agenus was crucial in refining the concept to ensure it resonated with their goals and values.
Iterative Process: The design went through several iterations based on this feedback. Adjustments were made to the curvature of the spires, the reflective quality of the materials, and the content to be displayed on the LEDs