‘thalassa’ by swoon, a site-specific installation for the new orleans museum of art images © swoon

  new york based artist swoon has created ‘thalassa’ for the new orleans museum of art. designed specifically for the site’s century-old hall, the 20-foot tall installation depicts its namesake greek goddess, revered as the mother of all sea creatures, with extended tentacles rising from the waters.

transforming the everyday into the mythical, the work draws its concept from new orleans’ ties to the sea: the urban center depends strongly on its ports for commerce, transportation, energy, and food. the monumental figure is thus emblematic of the city’s present and historical relationship with water.  

swoon: thalassa at new orleans museum of art view beneath the figure

swoon: thalassa at new orleans museum of art paper cuts detail

suspended from the ceiling, the deity is surrounded by mixed-media strands comprised of linocut prints and paper cutouts of aquatic creatures, as well as colorful swathes of fabric. these forms are draped from the second floor balcony, such that the figure hangs directly over visitors who enter the space.

‘thalassa’ is on display now until september 25, 2011.

swoon: thalassa at new orleans museum of art second floor view

swoon: thalassa at new orleans museum of art

swoon: thalassa at new orleans museum of art installation view

swoon: thalassa at new orleans museum of art opening reception

swoon: thalassa at new orleans museum of art

installation process

designboom design-aerobics courses swoon: thalassa at new orleans museum of art

design-aerobics 2011: PAPER course september 15 – november 15beyond a writing surface, paper can be used for so much more. furniture, lighting, packaging – from the planning stages to finished works, this fall designboom will explore the infinite possibilities of this material. to see a sample lesson and information on how to enroll click here.