Chihuly's DNA Tower to be Unveiled at IU School of Medicine
INDIANAPOLIS - Symbolic of the spirit of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), the double-helical molecule that holds the secret of life, “The Indiana University School of Medicine DNA Tower,” an 18- to 19-foot sculpture by artist Dale Chihuly will be unveiled on Sept. 30 during a university ceremony.
Although this newest sculpture, which will have an approximate diameter of 5 feet 6 inches, is a departure of sorts from Chihuly’s previous work – given the scientific certainties from which his representation is modeled – the luminous effect created as light passes through form and color remains the indelible signature of the world’s most influential glass artist.
“To define the twists of the helix and the four bases, I used several different colored glass shaped forms to help express the overall shape and design of the DNA Tower. This installation is really unlike anything I’ve created before – I’m proud that it will be on permanent view at the Indiana University School of Medicine,” said Chihuly.
Chihuly selected blues, greens, and mauves to symbolize the bases and yellow to symbolize the double helix.
The Indiana University School of Medicine commissioned the Chihuly work to commemorate both the school’s first 100 years of teaching, research and service and the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the DNA molecule by Indiana University alumnus James D. Watson and colleague Francis Crick. More than a thousand balls of art glass will cluster a double-helical armature of steel that will support the “twisted ladder” design that abstractly represents the components of heredity and the genetic instructions for growth, development and replication in all living organisms. The sculpture was made possible by an anonymous donor.
As with each Chihuly production, the IU School of Medicine DNA Tower required a very intense process of quality control and model building, taking into consideration its architectural setting and lighting. The sculpture will stand on a 5-foot tall dark cherry wood base in the five-story Morris Mills Atrium of the VanNuys Medical Science Building at the IU School of Medicine. Natural light will rain down upon the work through an overhead skylight.
Installation of the sculpture’s glass components will begin at the IU School of Medicine on Sept. 24. It will be unveiled to the public on Sept. 30 as part of the dedication ceremony of the IU School of Medicine’s Research II building.
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Media interested in coverage of the installation or in attending the dedication ceremony should make a reservation by calling the Office of Public and Media Relations, 317-274-7722.
Photos are available upon request.
Media Contacts:
Cindy Fox Aisen
caisen@iupui.edu
Mary Hardin
mhardin@iupui.edu
Eric Schoch
eschoch@iupui.edu
Joe Stuteville
jstutevi@iupui.edu
317-274-7722
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