2016 Configuration of the Abstract Sculpture at Armenian Heritage Park
Final 2016 Configuration of the Abstract Sculpture at Armenian Heritage Park

The Abstract Sculpture, the split dodecahedron public art at the Armenian Heritage Park on the Greenway, was reconfigured this week for the 2016 season. Made out of steel and aluminum, the Abstract Sculpture changes form each year. A lower height example of the 24 possible configurations, the 2016 sculpture has kissing halves and extends over a wide base. The 2016 configuration is the fifth since the park was dedicated in May 2012. (See past configurations here.)

The reconfiguration comes a few days after a nearby controversial billboard was removed by a group denying recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Also taking place soon on Sunday, April 24, the Massachusetts Armenian Genocide Committee will hold its annual commemoration event at the park (see photos from last year). Last week, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan made his first visit to Boston with stops in the North End, including the Old North Church and the Armenian Heritage Park.

The Abstract Sculpture is symbolic of all who were pulled away from their country of origin as reflected in the pieces of the split dodecahedron pulled apart, yet always touching. See more about the park at www.armenianheritagepark.org.

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*Please note the images in this post were taken during and immediately after the reconfiguration construction. The sculpture will be buffed and shined to remove the reconfiguration scuff marks on the sides. The reflecting pool water will be turned on next week with the fountain in the center of the park.

The below series of images show the configuration from start to finish (above). Photos by Matt Conti.

Disassembling the 2015 configuration, piece by piece
Disassembling the 2015 configuration, piece by piece
Bringing down the big hook
Bringing down the big hook
Workers use straps to secure pieces to be moved by crane
Workers use straps to secure pieces to be moved by crane
Onlookers come out for the annual reconfiguration
Onlookers come out for the annual reconfiguration
Vertical look at the tall crane used to reconfigure the sculpture
Vertical look at the tall crane used to reconfigure the sculpture
Piece by piece, a new shape emerges
Piece by piece, a new shape emerges
Two halves are separated, typically symbolic of the sculpture
Two halves are separated, typically symbolic of the sculpture’s meaning
With Boston
With Boston’s skyline as a backdrop, the Abstract Sculpture sections are moved.
Black exterior panels are fitted individually
Black exterior panels are fitted individually
Looking toward Quincy Market, the Abstract Sculpture is reconfigured for the 2016 season
Looking toward Quincy Market, the Abstract Sculpture is reconfigured for the 2016 season
Workers balance the pieces in preparation for placement
Workers balance the pieces in preparation for placement
Securing the pieces of the split dodecahedron.
Securing the pieces of the split dodecahedron.
Momentary glance through the beams
Momentary glance through the beams
Down the block from the Custom House tower, a crane lifts the sculpture pieces
Down the block from the Custom House tower, a crane lifts the sculpture pieces
Workers start to secure the black exterior panels
Workers start to secure the black exterior panels
Supports hold the pieces into the sculpture
Supports hold the pieces into the sculpture’s foundation
Each piece is tightened by hand
Each piece is tightened by hand
A crane places the final piece.
A crane places the final piece.
Starting to take shape
Starting to take shape
Placing the upper pieces
Placing the upper pieces
Triangular side panel flies through the air
Triangular side panel flies through the air
Placing the top panels
Placing the top panels
Putting the black exterior panels in place
Putting the black exterior panels in place
Kissing pieces are representative of the sculpture
Kissing pieces are representative of the sculpture’s configuration
Head of the reconfiguration team and Donald Tallalian
Head of the reconfiguration team and Donald Tallalian
Newly configured 2016 Abstract Sculpture with the Custom House in the background
Newly configured 2016 Abstract Sculpture with the Custom House in the background
2016 Abstract Sculpture looking from the labyrinth
2016 Abstract Sculpture looking from the labyrinth
Armenian Heritage Park with the 2016 Abstract Sculpture and Boston Skyline
Armenian Heritage Park with the 2016 Abstract Sculpture and Boston Skyline
From the rear, 2016 Abstract Sculpture
From the rear, 2016 Abstract Sculpture
Spring flowers are just starting to bud as looking toward the 2016 Abstract Sculpture
Spring flowers are just starting to bud as looking toward the 2016 Abstract Sculpture
Custom House Tower rises behind the 2016 configuration of the Abstract Sculpture
Custom House Tower rises behind the 2016 configuration of the Abstract Sculpture

Photos by Matt Conti.

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1 COMMENT

  1. billboard scandal obviously timed for the Dodecahedron reconfiguration and the Armenian President’s first visit to boston.

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