CHARLOTTE, N.C. (October 21, 2021) – “SKYLINE,” a site-specific artwork integrated into the Charlotte Convention Center overstreet pedestrian walkway, was officially unveiled today as part of the Charlotte Convention Center’s expansion opening celebration.

The artwork, created by Los Angeles-based artist Susan Narduli, features programmable light systems located within the shell of the floating overstreet pedestrian walkway at the center of the bridge to create an immersive light experience to viewers and visitors.

Approximately 1,000,000 pixels line the two walls and ceiling of the viewing platform at the center of the bridge, upon which the ever-changing rhythms of the city are reimagined as an immersive experience of abstract animations.

“‘SKYLINE’ evokes the breath of the city through a welcoming and slowly transforming space,” Narduli said in her artist statement. “As data informs the rhythms and colors of the artwork, subtle palette shifts and pacing reveal real-time factors… ‘SKYLINE’ functions as a timekeeper for the city, reinforcing the significance of the Convention Center and the pedestrian bridge as a public stage and visual gateway to Charlotte’s Center City.”

Driving the artwork is an Al server that processes content and behaviors to create a fusion of nature and abstraction.

The custom program manages the artwork’s visual themes: Fabric of the Sky, Wind, City Lights, Night Sky and Hyper Objects. As data informs the rhythms and colors of the artwork and an intelligent timeline considers time of day and season, subtle palette shifts and pacing reveal real-time factors.

The artwork includes two unique experiences:

• Dynamic Playback: Everchanging show of library content reshuffled and reorganized daily
• Curated Night Shows: A curated 10-minute show plays every hour from 7-10 p.m.

Artist-designed backlit laser cut metal panels span the length of the bridge to extend the narrative from the Convention Center to Stonewall Station. The public artwork – which can be viewed from Stonewall Street, passing trains, neighboring buildings and the bridge – juxtaposes urban imagery and dynamic content to create a visual narrative of the city.

“SKYLINE” is an exciting and innovative addition to Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s public art collection, said Todd Stewart, vice-president of public art for the Arts & Science Council (ASC).

“The strength of this artwork is its ability to take the familiar and represent it in a new, thought-provoking manner,” Stewart said. “Narduli Studio captured the pulse of our city and created a unique, captivating experience with it.”

“SKYLINE” is the centerpiece artwork for the $126.9 million expansion of the Charlotte Convention Center. The expansion adds more than 50,000 square feet of meeting room and pre-function space to the Convention Center and created the exterior overstreet pedestrian walkway that houses Narduli’s artwork and connects to The Westin Charlotte, Whole Foods and the LYNX Blue Line light rail Stonewall Station.

The public artwork will create a lasting impression for the nearly 30 million visitors who travel to the Charlotte region annually as well as residents of the Queen City.

“The new ‘SKYLINE’ public art installation is such a dynamic and engaging work of art and will surely be a popular stop for residents and visitors alike,” said Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority Chief Executive Officer Tom Murray. “Arts & Culture is one of our four key brand themes we use to promote the Queen City, and this is a wonderful addition to our region’s story. I’m grateful to the entire team who brought ‘SKYLINE’ to life, and excited that this innovative piece is connected to the Charlotte Convention Center.”

The total budget for the artwork is $621,690, which includes the artist’s fee, design, engineering, fabrication and installation costs. The public artwork is funded through the city of Charlotte’s 1 percent for the Arts Ordinance. ASC administers the public art program for the city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Artist selection and designs are approved by the appointed Public Art Commission.

ABOUT SUSAN NARDULI

Susan Narduli works at the intersection of art, architecture and technology. Her recent projects explore the relationship of the ephemeral within the built environment – positioning light, kinetic structures, real-time data and interactive media to create a language of engagement within the context of public space. Narduli holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Master of Architecture and is a licensed architect. As Principal and Creative Director of Narduli Studio, she guides the conceptual evolution of the work. She has completed commissions in public art, public spaces, architecture, virtual environments, interactive experiences, museum installations, light and sound environments and landscapes. Prior to starting her own firm, Narduli was Project Designer for Frank Gehry.

ABOUT CHARLOTTE REGIONAL VISITORS AUTHORITY

The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) works to deliver experiences that uniquely enrich the lives of our visitors and residents. Through leadership in destination development, marketing and venue management expertise, the CRVA leads efforts to maximize the region’s economic potential through visitor spending, creating jobs and opportunities for the community. Brands supported by the CRVA include the Charlotte Convention Center, Spectrum Center, Bojangles Coliseum, Ovens Auditorium, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Regional Film Commission and Visit Charlotte in conjunction with the region’s destination marketing brand. For more information, visit crva.com.

ABOUT ASC

ASC is the chief advocate, resource hub and steward for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region’s cultural community. Its core functions include advocacy, cultural education programs, cultural planning, fundraising, grant making, public art and workshops and trainings for the cultural community. ASC works to ensure Culture For All by combining resources from local and state government with those of the private sector to maximize community impact throughout the cultural sector.

ASC’s mission is to invest in the people, programs and ideas that move us toward a more equitable, sustainable and innovative creative ecosystem.

Stay up to date on ASC news and happenings at ArtsAndScience.org and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.