Hamilton the Electric City Public Art Project

Empower by Lilly Otasevic(PDF, 1.03 MB)

One would be hard pressed to think about Nikola Tesla without thinking of waterfalls, and equally hard pressed to think about Hamilton without thinking about Nikola Tesla. The magnitude of growth and transformation of Hamilton into the Electric and multicultural city would never have happened without the force of Nature, the genius and mysterious inventor and a group of five businessmen with a vision ... in that order.

From experimenting with water wheels in the earliest days of his childhood, until many years later, before the thundering Niagara Falls, Nikola Tesla was in awe by the “wheelwork of Nature” as he called it, and what it can offer to humanity. The power of Nature and love for it remained in his heart till the day he died, leaving behind a world transformed by his mind over matter, countless pages of inventions that are yet to be understood and unlocked, and a flock of his beloved pigeons in a park near the New Yorker hotel.

The concept for Empower sculpture draws inspiration from Nature and enquiring human mind. It is inspired by humanity’s role in the higher order of things in the universe as nothing happens outside the context of interconnectedness. Empower is an interactive sculpture that incorporates lenticular-like effect -two images that coexist and inhabit same space and time but are never fully revealed at the same time.

The main ribbed wavy elements resemble fluid dynamics of a waterfall. Deeper inside therein hides a second form, a wheel-like pattern that forms an optical illusion of a rotational movement. This optical illusion, as an element of surprise and a perception challenge, reveals itself to a wondering viewer at certain angles. As the angle of view changes, the waterfall par tially disappears allowing the “wheelwork” to appear and vice versa. Besides the symbolic aspect, this inside element rep resents a connection to the Decew Falls power plant power generators that employed turbines, as part of Nikola Tesla’s ingenious patent, without which electric power transmission to longer distances would not have been possible.

The sculpture concept aims to represent complexity within simplicity (or is it simplicity within complexity?), to inspire a sense of wonder and a desire to unlock the mechanisms of the unknown. It emphasizes the importance of curiosity and a desire to learn, understand and - innovate. Responsibly inno vate.

The title Empower is multilayered, referring to, among other possible interpretations, being empowered by enquiring mind, by mind over matter. It also refers to hydroelectric power, and the power of Nature to empower us - if we treat and nurture it with respect.

This report is an overview of the discussion and decision of the volunteer citizen jury which met on the evening of May 30, 2023. The Jury met to determine which of the six short-listed artists’ proposals for a permanent public art work, to be sited at Confederation Beach Park, 180 Van Wagners Beach Road, would be selected by the City of Hamilton for commission. Submissions were reviewed for their response to competition goals, artistic excellence and meeting technical requirements. The citizen jury carefully considered public feedback, solicited through a survey, against the abovementioned criteria.

Project Goal

That the proposed Public Art work(s) reflect the complex social, environmental and physical impact that the polyphase AC power system (invented by Nikola Tesla and brought to the city as hydroelectric power by the Five Johns) had and continues to have on Hamilton, as well as inspire a spirit of responsible and balanced innovation for the future.

Project Themes

• AC power as a catalyst for Hamilton’s development, influencing its population through an immigration boom and shaping the city physically and culturally.
• Spirit of innovation embodied by Nikola Tesla - an inspiration to youth today.
• Our changing relationship to energy as it transitioned from the visible to the invisible; with hydroelectricity, power became quiet, cheap, constant, ubiquitous and easier to take for granted.
• Sustainable technology - responsible innovation from today forward; solar or wind power can be generated at the site and stored for continuous use.

Award

After discussing each of the 6 short-listed proposals, the jury gave the highest overall score to the proposal Empower by Lilly Otasevic. The commission for the work will therefore be awarded to Lilly Otasevic.

Jury Comments

The jury members applauded the efforts of all 51 Artists who made submissions to the competition. There were many excellent proposals. The jury extended thanks to all the Artists who shared their ideas by submitting to this competition, especially the six short-listed Artists whose proposals were presented for public comment. All Artists are commended for their hard work and courage in submitting to the Call for Artists.

The jury also shared their appreciation for all 209 people who – through public consultation – took the time to review the short-listed submissions and selected their preferred proposal and provided comments. There were almost 20 pages of comments which helped to inform the jury’s decision. The public consultation offered important insight into public reaction to all shortlisted proposals. While there was enthusiastic support for each of the six proposals, the prevailing preference was for Empower by Lilly Otasevic. The many perceptive comments in support of this proposal supported the jury in making their decision to award this proposal the highest score.

Jury comments on each proposal are as follows:

Empower by Lilly Otasevic – SUCCESSFULThe jury found this work to strongly address the themes of the public art call. The work has a strong connection to water, waves and natural and historic elements of power transmission. The work shows both visual and didactic potential, with multiple ways it interacts with the project themes as presented. The central concept of the work is strong enough to engage further thought, with the turbine as a central aspect of the electricity that powers our modern world. The work is uniquely interactive with the wheel appearing partially concealed viewing it from different perspectives. The site has a number of trees which will grow and the work was praised as being large enough to fill the site well and stand out over time as the trees grow and compete for visual space. The story of the history of electric power in Hamilton is embodied in the work well, tying in with the nature of the elements of a generator and the abundance of waterfalls in Hamilton. The illusion of movement is seen as strong while the central undulating form embodies Hamilton’s waterfalls well. The work links to natural resources as a future for power generation and points to renewal and the harnessing of sustainable resources. The concentric circles centrally in the work were seen to symbolize a 'portal to the future', representing a transition in power generation in Hamilton. The jury noted the importance of visibility of a female artist to address gender equity within public art. The jury thanks and appreciates the artist’s willingness to adjust the work based on stage 1 feedback, resulting in a stronger proposal, and reflecting a cooperative work ethic which will be key in the process of developing and installing this work. The work is strong in site context, grand in size and will stand out with sustained countenance in the future.

Surge by Tony Vieira and Robert De Ieso
The jury responded favorably to the work and noted that the work invites interaction, allowing visitors to spend time with the graphics and interpret the meaning. The art work engages possibilities for exploration and imagination. The jury appreciated the play of light with the stenciled linework in the panels, changing with the movement of the sun throughout the day, and suggesting a movement from visible to invisible energy sources. The submission displayed a good link to the themes, with rich symbolism embodied within the very shape of the work. The various panels and details were praised as very impressive, with clear elements of the story of Nikola Tesla and power in Hamilton. A good understanding of Nikola Tesla’s impact is depicted in this submission. It was noted that the graphics are striking and could be used in another capacity if the submission is not selected. This submission offers a chance for interpretation without words, with the graphics presenting a clear insight and creative storytelling. The work was noted as an interactive human scaled work. The site location near the lake offers the potential of dynamic winds and environmental factors to interact with the work. The submission speaks well to the context of Hamilton and the specificity to the City is clear and appreciated. The geometry of the work offers a futuristic perspective on power generation.

Some jury members felt that the work could be interpreted as a large didactic panel rather than a public art sculpture. Some felt that the geometric shape does not read as attractive or comfortable. The work was seen as fairly small in the landscape, maybe being dwarfed in the space and looking condensed on site in context.

Earthed Utility by Sean Procyk & Maximillian JohnsonThe jury strongly appreciates the interactive elements in this proposal. The piece reads as a participatory work, allowing community members of all ages to enjoy the work in interactive ways. The insulators which comprise the submission are recognizable for many as popular collectibles from local history. The mirror aspect of the work brings in a reflective element, allowing visitors to see themselves literally in the story of electric power in Hamilton. The jury felt that the use of historic insulators in this work could be interpreted as a thoughtful reference to the problem of waste from technology in the environment. The submission was not seen as an imposing work so as not to detract from site-lines. There is a certain amount of spontaneity in the layout that is appreciated in the work.

However, the jury felt that this work uses up too much green space on site. Jury members felt that it is unclear as to what the work is trying to do. Some felt that the condenser elements were strewn haphazardly and not aesthetically pleasing. Jury members also mentioned their curiosity as to how the mulch would be contained. The presence of the mulch around the sculptural pieces was seen as diminishing the spontaneity of the layout. The work was not seen to be visible from a distance, with a form that is quite literal.

Conductor by Karen Ho Fatt
The work was identified as a unique sculpture, something new and not seen before. The floral references were interpreted as representing growth. The proposed work was seen to respond well to the lakefront view and blend into the sky in a compelling manner. The work was praised as having ‘presence’, ie: being visible from a distance, and to be attractive for people from far away.

However, the jury felt that this work was not clearly speaking to the theme relating to the technology and the spirit of the future. Some felt that the work was somewhat obvious, being made of wire and looking like a plug. Some felt that the proposal missed out on an opportunity to be interactive and making the most of the green space. Jury members felt that the proposal was a ‘safe use of space’ rather than challenging interactivity for visitors. The jury felt it was not clear as to how this sculpture demonstrates the inspirational or complex impact of hydroelectricity, the impact on the environment, or the positive impact of AC power in Hamilton. Jury members felt that it would require a significant explanation of the goals and themes along with the work to help clarity the artist’s intent.

Conduit by TH&B Collective
Jury members praised the cartoon-like thunderbolt, reacting positively to the element of ‘fun’ rendered within the work. The work literally refers to the transmission towers and is interactive, allowing people to walk under the work. Jury members described the work as ‘ugly in a good way’, praising that the ‘incomplete’ look is thoughtful adding dimension to the work. The lightning bolt element was described as strong and visually appealing, as if a visual pun. Indicating that electricity was a lightning bolt in history added a bit of humour. The work was seen to elicit an instant reaction. Jury members reacted well to the fun that is seen as intrinsic in the work. Jury members also commented thoughtfully that they were seeing decay and ruin in the form of the hydro tower as proposed, which is a counter-balance to the romance of hydroelectricity in modernity and deceptively simple.

However, the jury felt that this work perpetuates a phallocentric aesthetic of the monument which is part of this country's colonial history. The work was critiqued as lacking depth in the context of the goals and themes. The works intrinsic form has the potential to add to the visual burden of the tower network that mars the beauty of the landscape. Jury members felt that some elements described in the concept statement are not clear in the concept renderings.

Empowered by Ted Fullerton
The jury was strong in its opinion that the work would be highly visible from a distance. There was humour perceived in the work, with the renderings appearing to literally electrocute the figure. Jury members delighted that the work is a bit cheeky to literally electrocute oneself, which fits the project themes in a unique way.

However, the jury felt that this work appears unstable, with a male figure standing on an electrical plug not seen as appealing. The submission was noted as not being as unique within the artists oeuvre of art work, and therefore not being unique to the City of Hamilton. The figure was seen as reading as a ‘male’ which is not inclusive to all of humanity. Some jury members pointed out that the layout of the sculpture embodied a colonial aesthetic, even if in jest. Jury members felt that the submission lacks cohesion and shows an awkward composition, relying on the public to buy into the implied humour of the work independent of context.

The Jury

• Monolina Bhattacharyya-Ray Arts Advisory Committee Rep
• Ian Borsuk Interim Director, Environment Hamilton
• Vic Djurdjevic President, Nikola Tesla Education Corp.
• Megan Hobson Architectural Historian
• Petra Matar Principal, DPAI Architecture / Artist
• Mosa McNeilly Arts Educator, DAWA Collective
• Ian Kerr-Willson Manager (Retired), Heritage Resource Management, City of Hamilton

Advisors to the Jury

• Peter Fortune Manager, Placemaking Public Art and Projects, City of Hamilton
• Brianne Gascho Cultural Projects Specialist, City of Hamilton
• Meredith Plant Sr. Landscape Architect, City of Hamilton