Artwork copyright Alex Hirsch. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Dan Kvitka.

Artwork copyright Alex Hirsch. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Alex Hirsch. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Dan Kvitka.

Artwork copyright Alex Hirsch. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Dan Kvitka.

Artwork copyright Alex Hirsch. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Alex Hirsch. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Dan Kvitka.

Artwork copyright Alex Hirsch. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Alex Hirsch. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Artwork copyright Alex Hirsch. Photo courtesy of the artist (detail).

Sky Dance, 2018

Alex Hirsch
(American, born 1964)

Location: Auburn High School, Auburn

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Sky Dance are enamel and blown glass windows created by artist Alex Hirsch for the commons area at Auburn High School. The viewer's experience of the artwork shifts depending on their position, the time of day and year, and the weather outside. The windows cast colorful shadows into the commons.

The school's art selection committee wanted an artwork that would soften the rigid environment of the school using vibrant colors and natural themes. Hirsch notes, "For me, the pureness of color offers joy. The floating forms evoke calm and fluidity. The sunbeams suggest hope. On a deeper level, Sky Dance embraces individuality and nonconformity. No two floral forms are alike, and no two stripes are the same proportion. It welcomes creative thought by leaving the floating forms open to interpretation."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Auburn School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Portland, Oregon-based artist Alex Hirsch creates glass artworks and works on paper.
Hirsch received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting and printmaking from the University of Michigan in 1987. She received a Master of Fine Arts degree in painting from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri in 1993.