I2I is a public sculpture installation that will involve a primary installation of several oversized steel beams (8-14 feet tall) located in a public space within Indianapolis, plus individual steel beams located in other countries. Conceptually, each steel beam that is located in Indianapolis will "enter" the earth at an angle, and subsequently "exit" the ground on the other side of the earth (aligned by GPS) in another country. Cameras and monitors will be installed at each site to show life at the opposite end of each I-beam. The idea developed in the mind of local artist Scott Westphal out of his desire to create large scale public sculpture and in the process, connect with the Indianapolis community. As the idea developed, Scott realized that he could use his art form to make connections between people in Indianapolis and people in other parts of the world.
Themes and concepts represented in this work include cultural awareness and international peace through connectedness.
"I think that the I-beam is the perfect connection because of its structural strength. The design and metals from which it is fabricated make it incredibly strong and lasting. In conventional applications, such as commercial construction, the I-beam is the structural component of buildings. In the context of my international sculpture park, the I-beams will form a bridge between people and cultures. It is only through the recognition and acknowledgement of our connectedness to all human beings, regardless of ethnicity, race, or culture, that we can make progress toward world peace." - Scott Westphal
The primary goals of I2I are:
I2I will benefit Indianapolis on multiple levels, including:
Schools can engage students in hands-on learning about international relations and various cultures through sculpture park site visits and through interaction with the multi-media displays at the site.
Companies wishing to make stronger connections with global suppliers, customers, and partners can attach their identity to the sculpture park through corporate sponsorship. Such sponsorship will provide tangible evidence of a company’s commitment to global relations.
The sculpture park will be an attraction for visitors who come to Indianapolis seeking unique and meaningful experiences.
The sculpture park will be a tribute to the global economy in which Indianapolis businesses and organizations operate. Such a symbol can be promoted to companies and individuals considering relocating to Indianapolis.
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