Sails

Sails by Nate Silver was a temporary installation at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The artist described the work on his website: “A series of 48 hand printed and sewn flags that were hung from an outdoor structure at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia. The flags resemble sails hung from the steel masts. They are meant to activate the public park, as well as provide shade for the benches underneath. The work was screen printed and sewn at my studio, then affixed via I-beam clamps to the metal structure. The installation was on view for 1 year.” The sails, of varying dimensions, were screen printed exterior latex paint on canvas, hand sewn and grommeted.

About the project:

The Philadelphia Navy Yard has always been the site of innovation, production, and discovery, and in recent years, has been reinvented as a booming locale for new businesses. Thanks to multiple projects led by Mural Arts Philadelphia, it’s also become a site for creative experimentation and exploration through public art.

In 2017, the 1,200-acre campus has been enlivened by four installations by artist Nate Harris, all inspired by the history of the Navy Yard and rendered in different formats and media: Sails at the Crescent Park entrance was inspired by the imagery, materials, and dimensions of ships’ sails. Within the existing park structure, these bright overhead banners provide shade and visual stimulation, invoking the Navy Yard’s waterfront location even at the entrance to the campus. Along the front side of Building 101, Gate Keepers match vertical banners with existing columns, contrasting with the historic brick. The figures reflect the building’s formal architecture. The colorful, patterned amphitheater stairs of Central Green double as benches, making a natural meeting place for a creative reset during the office day, or a children’s play date. Harris played with the horizontal space available along the step fronts, building a two-dimensional whimsical landscape of color and shape. Along the waterfront, Dazzle Wall fits right in with the ships docked along the pier—its abstract pattern is a type of “dazzle camouflage,” painted on ships in World War I to conceal them from enemy photography. Harris’ bold design invites office workers to come closer and enjoy the beautiful river view.

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