Artwork copyright Matthew Geller. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Spike Mafford, 2021.

Artwork copyright Matthew Geller. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Spike Mafford, 2021.

Artwork copyright Matthew Geller. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Spike Mafford, 2021.

Artwork copyright Matthew Geller. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Spike Mafford, 2021 (detail).

Artwork copyright Matthew Geller. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Spike Mafford, 2021.

Centipenty, 2021

Matthew Geller
American

Location: Wing Luke Elementary, Seattle

About the Artwork

Centipenty by artist Matthew Geller is a giant teeter-tottering, springy ride that bounces, sways, pivots, and clangs. The 24 seats come in 3 sizes, based on the classroom chairs for kindergartners through 5th graders. Children activate the movement and sound of the artwork with their high-spirited participation. The ends of the see-saw have only a slight movement of four inches up and down. The seats and beam move with only one child, many children, or with all twenty-four seats full of children.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Seattle Public Schools.

About the Artist

Matthew Geller creates public art sculptures that celebrate collaboration, discovery, and ingenuity. His sculptures often include elements such as benches, swings, canopies, and water that are functional and allow the viewer to participate. Geller notes, “The idea is to surprise while fostering a sense of community around an unlikely object or site.”
Geller earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Connecticut College and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Delaware. He is based in New York City.