Cortada meets with jacksonville beach community
Friday, April 12, 2024
Cup of Job
119 1st Ave N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
On April 12th, 2024, Xavier Cortada was warmly welcomed in Jacksonville Beach as he met with the Mayor of Jacksonville Beach, council members, city manager, and other city officials. The gathering, which also included members of the CRA board, the public art committee, and various stakeholders, focused on planning and discussing Cortada’s upcoming public art commission titled “Water Columns.”
This new commission will be strategically placed just a few blocks from the beach, at the intersection of Beach Drive and 2nd Street. It presents an exciting opportunity for Cortada to contribute to the vibrant local scenery with artwork that aims to inspire and engage both the community and its visitors.
The installation, named “Water Columns,” will feature seven concrete columns of varying heights, from three feet to nine feet, arranged in a spiral form. Each column will be 32 inches wide and 8 inches deep, clad in hand-carved, hand-painted ceramic tiles. These will create a gradient of blue hues across the plaza, referencing the various tidal zones emanating from the water’s edge.
Designed to reflect the unique coastal characteristics of Jacksonville Beach, the sculpture will incorporate elements inspired by the beach’s natural beauty, such as waves and marine life. The vibrant ceramic tiles, with their intricate designs and coastal color palette, will evoke a sense of place and capture the essence of the beach town.
By choosing to create a sculptural installation that celebrates water, Cortada’s artwork becomes a platform to raise environmental awareness. It serves as a reminder of the vital importance of preserving and protecting the natural resources that make Jacksonville Beach so special. Through its design, symbolism, and possible interactive elements, the artwork serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the coastal ecosystem. By engaging both locals and visitors alike, this public art installation can foster a sense of appreciation and responsibility towards the environment, encouraging individuals to become active participants in its protection and conservation.
