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Ann Hamilton selected for Waterfront public piers project

ArmoryWe could not be more thrilled to announce that internationally recognized artist Ann Hamilton has been selected for a commission on the new public piers as part of Waterfront Seattle. Hamilton, known for large-scale, sensory installations, is the recipient of a MacArthur “genius grant” and has also represented the United States at the Venice Biennale. She will join a team of architects, planners and city designers to create the project over the next several years.

Waterfront Seattle is the large-scale project to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct with 26 acres of new public space, streets, parks, and buildings. The public piers will be rebuilt as part of the Seawall Bond passed by voters in 2012. Hamilton is known for recent installations such as the event of a thread at the Park Avenue Armory in New York (image, left), and tower · Oliver Ranch, in Geyserville, California. Seattle audiences will recognize her LEW Wood Floor at the Seattle Central Library, with raised letters spelling out the first sentences from books in the library’s collection in 11 languages. In addition, the Henry Art Gallery will host an eponymous exhibition of Hamilton’s work for six months starting October of this year.

It’s not determined yet what Ann will build. But if it’s anything like the rest of her career, it’s sure to be thought-provoking, eye catching, and a bit dreamy. Check out this video of the event of a thread and start imagining what she might create on our Waterfront.