Changing Seasons, Lasting Symbols

Changing Seasons, Lasting Symbols was a temporary mural installed in the courtyard of Philadelphia’s City Hall. The mural’s design puts a contemporary spin on the many relief and free-standing sculptures scattered throughout the architecture of City Hall. Artists Eric Okdeh and Kien Nguyen and a team of assistants reinterpreted the poses through the city’s diverse residents. They considered the complex symbolism and meanings of the sculptures and the significance of the four directions they face. The compass on the ground in the courtyard plots out Center City’s major squares. The mural’s design brings these squares to life as realistic panoramas in colors reminiscent of the four seasons. Patterns specific to each season are taken from motifs found throughout City Hall’s decorative interior. Pillars and archways occupy the corners of each major wall using Alexander Calder’s sculptures of people spanning the four corners of the globe. Imagery from Philadelphia’s major public parks can be found within the archways. For example, the west wall depicts Clark Park and the east wall has images of Penn Treaty Park, which the statue of William Penn is pointing to. This design brings into focus the sculpture, imagery and patterns found throughout Philadelphia’s City Hall building which might otherwise be overlooked.

Location Note: Temporary project no longer on view at this location.