Confluences by Anna Valentina Murch, is a stunning combination of art and architectural sensibilities. The ceiling in the formal lobby of the Chinook Building rewards the observant visitor with a view of a graceful artwork, ingeniously crafted of humble materials and meticulously lit. Acute angles of projected light transform a deceptively simple design into an elegantly realized installation. A series of radiating arcs formed of perforated steel intersect and overlap each other. Lighting along the glazed curtain wall washes across the sculptural forms, casting intricate shadow patterns across the ceiling. Murch’s unique site with its innovative installation enlivens the austere lobby and reflects the workers and visitors that pass through the space.

The artist drew her inspiration for the work from King County services that are housed within the building. As Murch explains in her artist’s statement, “All these groups, whether they work with environment, health, or other social services, are dedicated to quality of life issues for the community.” She became aware of the “important interaction of all these different centers that work in individual areas, but also interact with each other.” Murch visualized these activities as “an abstract image of a series of centers that ripple out, coexisting with all the other centers. Collectively they form an energy and activity that animates the lobby.”

Anna Valentina Murch was chosen for the project from 4Culture’s juried Artist Registry Volume V. More information about Murch’s work, including images from other projects, can be found on-line at http://4culture.org/publicart/registry/sites/sites_artist.asp?ArtistID=55