Facts Block |
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Title |
Speros Arrows by Paul Tzanetopoulos |
Year |
1996 |
Location |
Cancer Center Facility, Long Beach Community Hospital Medical Center, 1720 Termino Avenue, Long Beach, California |
Dimensions |
14 ft. x 14 ft. x 3 ft. |
Media |
Lacquer on vinyl mural and lighting elements |
Commissioned By |
Long Beach Community Hospital Medical Center |
Art Consultant |
Public Corporation for the Arts, Long Beach, California |
Documentation |
See Artists Narrative, below. |
Description
"Speros' Arrows" is a digitally-manipulated painting formatted to a pyramid-shaped ceiling, creating a geometric and organic visual space. Grounded in the geometry of the pyramid, the subtle arrows imbedded in the graphic of an amorphous field of leaves swirling into the atmosphere allude to the perception of infinity and revitalization.
Narrative
The ceiling mural concept I proposed for the new Cancer Center facility for the Long Beach Community Hospital Medical Center intended to provide an air of openness and sedate exhilaration, bringing a visual and spiritual openness to the site. I selected motifs from my work (sky/atmosphere) to illustrate specific aspects for the mural -- the illusion of depth through the use of an atmospheric background or an illusion of perspective through the use of graphics and computer manipulation. A second motif (leaves), again derived from earlier work, united with the atmospheric motif, brings both movement and earthly organic elements into play. The use of color is both bright yet calming, adding a specific application of intrigue and complexity to the overall design.
State-of-the-art technology was employed, graphically and practically, throughout this project. The geometry of the ceiling and its complexities required substantial modeling in a computer context. This digital environment was essential in gaining flexibility and accuracy to the design. The technology employed allowed me to apply extremely complicated geometric aspects to the design, uniting a variety of motifs in a staggering amount of color and density flexibility. The illusions of depth and atmosphere gained through the computer and subtle adjustments of light and dark are a testament to the computer's artistic flexibility and my belief in its application as an artist’s tool. This technology applied to the ceiling mural echoes the tremendous strides in technology that this facility employs to benefit all.

