You open the door at the Columbia Public Health Center and are instantly greeted by a floating array of colorful, furry fabric creatures in the two-story skylight atrium. The artist, who goes by the name Monad, created The Unity and Oneness of All (1992) using a variety of colors and textures of upholstery fabric, cotton and artificial fur that were sewn by hand into a soft sculpture installation. A “mother” figure with several of her children hover in from the airy atrium ceiling, each connected to the other through a series of strings, hoops and other materials. All have both human and animal characteristics.

The forms, though of the “whimsical, imaginary realm,” says Monad, “signify the unity of people. All the different colors and shapes…they recognize humanity. These representations show how we’re all connected. We’re all dependent on each other, and we support each other, whether we know it or not.”

You can watch the artist talk about this artwork on Seattle Channel’s video. Monad also has an artwork in the Seattle City Light 1% for Art Portable Works Collection and a permanently-sited, small-scale artwork at the Madrona Branch of the Seattle Public Library

The artist has created public art installations and exhibited his artwork throughout Washington state. He has also taught art in a variety of settings in both Alaska and Washington state.

The Unity and Oneness of All was funded by Seattle Department of Administrative Services (now Fleets and Facilities) 1% for Art funds.

– Joan Peterson, Public Art

IMAGES: Monad Elohim; The Unity and Oneness of All; 1992; upholstery fabric, cotton, fake fur. Located at 4400 37th Ave S. (corner of Genessee Street and 37^th Avenue South).

Weekly Art Hit is featuring artworks every week from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and 2000s to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the city’s public art program.