Public Art Installation at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Terminal 1
Opening 1/20/24 through July 2024
 

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HYDRA

hy-dra

via Latin from Greek hudra ‘water snake’, named by Linnaeus because, if cut into pieces, each section can grow into a whole animal.

1. : a many-headed serpent or monster in Greek mythology that was slain by Hercules and each head of which when cut off was replaced by two others. 2. not capitalized : a multifarious evil not to be overcome by a single effort.
2. Prefix : Water

HYDRA is a thought-provoking installation shedding light on the vital, but often overlooked, network of utility pipes that silently weave through our modern world. These pipes are the unsung heroes of modern infrastructure ensuring we have access to clean water, efficient storm drainage and proper wastewater disposal. Just like veins in our bodies, they form a complex system essential for the health of our society.

Rising water levels, extreme weather and rapid development in South Florida are putting increased pressures on these often outdated systems resulting in flooding, water contamination and emergency repairs. In an effort to raise awareness to these issues, we have created “HYDRA”, an installation from our ongoing “Obstruction” series. Salvaged water pipes, PVC counterparts and metal components unite to create a captivating assemblage interpreting the dynamics of water flow and the challenges posed by our environmental impact. Inserted into this assemblage are strips of painted recycled canvas representing both the movement of water and the blockage caused by waste contamination.

As you immerse yourself in this installation, consider the delicate balance between the intricate networks that sustain us and the threats that loom when we take them for granted. Our communities must confront the pressing issues of today as well as make thoughtful decisions and plan for the future. Through this installation we hope to spark a collective awareness, inspire meaningful conversations about actions to safeguard our precious resources and address the vulnerabilities in our infrastructure.

This exhibition is sponsored by Broward County’s Aviation Department and the Cultural Division’s Public Art & Design Program

photography by Carina Mask and Christina Mendenhall