Freedom Flock by Madelyn Marconi
I
magine the boundless sense of freedom birds experience soaring high above our city trees, buildings, and homes. With the functional gift of feathers, powerful wings, lightweight bones, and a strong heart, these feathered creatures can take flight at a moment’s notice; allowing them to view the world in a way that no other species in the animal kingdom can. While some birds in our area endure a long migration south and eventually return to the north, others maintain lifelong residency here in Palm Beach Gardens. Just south of Burns Road on Riverside Drive, a particular flock of birds permanently resides at the entrance to Nuvo Business Center. Freedom Flock is a stainless-steel spiral column decorated with a mixture of cut-through metal birds performing a vertical dance toward the sky. Renowned artist Mark Fuller, a frequent flyer in the City’s Art in Public Places program, is the creator of this uplifting piece. As told by Fuller, Freedom Flock forms a poetic illustration of transformation and freedom. The flock of metal birds transforms into a cylindrical shape with metal cut-outs allowing parts of the sculpture to become fully transparent. The freedom represented in the sculpture is illustrated by the birds’ imaginary kinetic motion moving them upwards, perhaps on a new journey to a new destination. The metal art sits atop a concrete pedestal base standing fifteen feet high. Sand Cordgrass and LED lights line the pedestal to illuminate the sculpture at night. A small lake and fountain serve as the backdrop, an added touch that compliments Fuller’s environmental art style.
Riverside
Dr
Freedom Flock Nuvo Business Center
SUMMER 2021
13
