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Arts Commission recommends 'Formless Matter and Its Devastating Gestures' for design review
Summary
The Oklahoma City Arts Commission voted Nov. 17 to recommend Denise Duong and Gabe Friedman’s mixed‑media installation at Campbell Art Park for Downtown Design Commission review and for development services to issue a building permit. The 90‑foot installation includes a 13‑foot head, a reaching hand and four bird‑like sculptures designed for public interaction.
The Oklahoma City Arts Commission on Nov. 17 voted to recommend that the Downtown Design Commission grant a certificate of approval for "Formless Matter and Its Devastating Gestures," a new mixed‑media installation commissioned by Oklahoma Contemporary for Campbell Art Park.
Randy, presenting staff recommendations, described the work as a monumental composition roughly 90 feet long that includes a 13‑foot‑tall head, a hand and four bird‑like elements. "The head will be constructed of treated cedar lumber," Randy said, and the birds "will actually be woven out of steel rod." He told commissioners the birds will range from 5 to 12 feet tall and will contain doorways and seating to invite public use.
Staff asked the commission to recommend the project to the Downtown Design Commission and to authorize development services to issue any required building permits; Randy said a VERA waiver has already been received and that the commission’s action would be advisory rather than a council approval. Commissioner Kovacs asked about color and the presentation noted that acrylic panels will provide color while the steel will naturally rust; Randy said the head will retain a wood finish.
Commissioners also raised public‑safety and durability questions. Commissioner Cooper asked whether the woven steel would be strong enough to deter climbing; Randy replied the forms will be welded and self‑reinforcing. The commission moved and, after voting via PrimeGov, approved forwarding the recommendation.
Next steps: the project will go to the Downtown Design Commission for a certificate of approval, and development services will review the building‑permit application. If approved by design review and permitting, the work would proceed under the existing lease between Oklahoma Contemporary and the Parks Department through 2040.
