Matthew Mazzotta’s Monumental Pink Flamingo Wades Through Myriad Meanings of Home at Tampa International Airport – Colossal



Artistic drawing

#birds #Florida #installation #Matthew Mazzotta #public art

Known for stalking front lawns in plastic form as much as they wade through the shallows of Everglades National Park, Biscayne Bay or the Keys, pink flamingos are practically synonymous with Florida. Around the turn of the 20th century, however, native populations were decimated due to overhunting. Although residents later began breeding colonies in captivity, of the estimated 260,000 to 330,000 mature birds worldwide, Florida is thought to harbor only about one percent. By artist Matthew Mazzottathe iconic aviary and the importance of sharing space with wildlife inspired a monumental, immersive installation at Tampa International Airport.

« Home, » a floor-to-ceiling sculpture of a lifelike flamingo, draws on the multiple meanings of its title. Travelers passing through the terminal can « leave their homes, go home, go to a new home or just a place that feels like home, » the statement read. In addition to being a place where people live, Florida is teeming with abundant wildlife, and Mazzotta brings viewers closer to one of the most treasured animals in the state. A shimmering film on the ceiling mimics the surface of the water, from which the bird’s head and spindly legs emerge as it scans the floor for food, and hidden floodlights send shimmering light onto the surface, mimicking dappled sunlight filtering through the water.

Mazzotta’s piece was recently selected as one of Press QUEUE the top 100 public art to be installed internationally last year and until July 31 you can cast your vote for your favourite. You may also be interested in the artist’s popular TED talk on community spaces designed to delight and inspire possibility. Explore much more work on his website.

#birds #Florida #installation #Matthew Mazzotta #public art

Are stories and artists like this important to you? Become a Colossal member today and support independent art publishing for just $5 a month. You’ll connect with a community of like-minded readers and contemporary art enthusiasts, read ad-free articles and newsletters, support our interview series, get discounts and early access to our limited edition print publications, and much more. Sign up now!