Artist
Walter Kravitz
Butterflies at Night
Date2010
MediumAcrylic urethane on polycarbonate
DimensionsEach: 12 × 12 × 28 × 4 in. (30.5 × 30.5 × 71.1 × 10.2 cm)
Credit LineDC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Commissioned Project
Object numberDCCAH2010.002
ClassificationsSculpture
Locations
- St. Elizabeths Hospital (1100 Alabama Avenue SE)
DescriptionThis stunning design is made up of 16 butterfly-like shapes which move in a rotational motion. In Kravitz’s proposal, he stated that “my choice of the butterfly as a general idea for this work derives from my understanding of the word ‘psyche’…as a symbol of the soul or transformation.” He chose the butterfly, as well as the light, floating stained glass design, in order to instill a calming effect on the mind. He also notes the inspirational quote by R. Bach: “What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the rest of the world calls butterfly.” In relation to this quote, Kravitz notes that “since a hospital setting is always premised on rebirth and restoration or body, I can’t think of a better way to approach this project. My hope is that the symmetrical aspect of these shapes enhance a viewer’s quest for balance and movement.”
