Midtown Announces New Public Art Project — ‘Light and Airy’
Midtown Welcomes ‘Light and Airy'
A New Public Art Installation at 10th and Walker Roundabout
Midtown is proud to announce a new public artwork will be installed at the 10th and Walker roundabout. “Light and Airy” from Canadian creative group Heavy is a site-specific artwork designed for the roundabout that uses an illuminated pop art sculpture to pay homage to OKC hospitality, Oklahoma’s memorable sunsets, and the camaraderie felt when people come together around food.
At first glance, “Light and Airy” looks simply like an oversized piece of layer cake, a piece of fun pop art meant to raise eyebrows and hopefully instigate smiles. Upon second and third glances, “Light and Airy” is a representation of the hospitality OKC prides itself in and a nod to the joy that comes when hardworking individuals come together at the dining table, bar, or counter.
‘Light and Airy’
design & fabrication by Heavy
‘Light and Airy’ is an illuminated pop art sculpture inspired by Oklahoma City’s hospitality, sunsets, and the joy of shared meals.
The Creative Process
The art concept is the result of Heavy creative lead Sander Henrikson spending several days watching the Midtown roundabout, walking from business to business, meeting shop owners, residents, and visitors, and eating. Sander admits, “I probably ate at 15 different places.”
Layers of Meaning
Illuminated from the inside, “Light and Airy” will resemble a piece of layer cake rising off a small plate to approximately ten feet. The layers of the cake are meant to remind the viewer of the beauty of the Oklahoma sunsets. The lowest layer will reflect Oklahoma’s red soil. The cream above the cake may conjure images of fluffy cumulus clouds. The lighted colors of the cake may remind some viewers of neon signs and Oklahoma City’s history along Route 66.
The playful piece recognizes that behind every piece of cake there is a lot of hard work, whether that is the baker who awakes before dawn to prepare the batter, the folks in the service industry who work long shifts yet still make each guest and regular feel welcome, or the patron who has worked in the field or stressed behind a desk and is having a little respite in a favorite establishment.
Because the placement of the artwork within the roundabout makes it inaccessible, a “fork” brings the artwork to the viewer as a bench or location for visitors to capture a moment in time.
This project was seeded through funds from the former Medical Business District, which earmarked a portion of remaining funds for a public art piece within the Midtown 10th Street corridor. To bring a notable piece of artwork to the area, SSM Saint Anthony, Midtown Renaissance, Midtown OKC and Midtown Rotary have made generous contributions towards the fulfillment of the project.
Installation and an opening celebration is expected in early summer 2025.