King and Queen of the Hill Thrones, Danehy Park - Cambridge, MA
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NorStar
N 42° 23.332 W 071° 08.131
19T E 324218 N 4695162
These angular 'thrones,' - benches that look like sofas - within Mayor Thomas Danahy Park are installed on the crown of a low hill that is a capped landfill.
Waymark Code: WMJWYR
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 01/08/2014
Views: 4
In Cambridge, within Mayor Thomas Danehy Park, is an art installation that includes two angular steel thrones - benches that look like sofas.
The park is a municipal multi-use facility bordered by Sherman Street, Garden Street, New Street, and a railroad right of way. The walkway winds through the center of the park up the gentle slope. The surface is embedded with pieces of glass and mirrors. This suggests the creation of solutions to our environmental programs. Near the center are the other two installations. On one side is a dance floor, circular in shape, made of recycled rubber, with a galaxy on the surface. The other is a pair of 'thrones.'
The thrones appear as two couches facing each other. They have been refered to as thrones since they sit near the top of the hill, and the 'king' and 'queen' of the hill can sit here and watch over their hill. Each form is angular in shape. One throne suggests large cushions casually placed about. The other is simpler in design, with a curved bench and a triangular back. They are painted metallic silver. The forms have openings or seams, as well.
The installation was done by Mierle Laderman Ukeles. She is well known for similar installations at other former landfill sites, including New York City and Fresh Kill. This installation was done 1997-2002. Danehy Park is the site of a former brick clay pit and city landfill.
Cambridge Arts Council (Danehy Park):
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visit link)