Wing Fern - Clark Wiegman

Where is it?

On 188th Street Tunnel

This landmark is used to define either end of the 188th Street Tunnel at the south end of the airport.

About the Art

Wiegman refers to the fern of the coastal woodlands as a “Pacific Northwest pop art icon." Backlighting the laser cut ferns with fiery amber LED lights, he created an illuminated homage to the aeronautical industry that has been foundational to this region. The artist states that each sculptural wing is fabricated as a real aerodynamic plane wing with structural undergirding, brushed aluminum skin, and extensive riveting. Wiegman hopes that this piece, marking the gate to the Pacific, generates a memorable and dynamic experience for visitors.

“The sum effect is a seductive combination of color, form, and texture harkening a visceral, lasting response – perhaps a subject for conversation on the flight home.” – Clark Wiegman

The Details

Artist

Clark Wiegman

Date

2006

Medium

Illuminated friezes (metal, LED lights)

Dimensions

72' wide x 8' high

Did you know?

The shape and curvature of the fern approximates aircraft wings at takeoff and landing.

About the Artist

Over the past twenty-five years, Clark Wiegman has created around fifty public artworks. He has exhibited and installed work throughout the United States, Europe, and Japan. He has been commissioned to design plazas and transit centers and to fabricate memorials, fountains, and wayfinding landmarks for busy urban areas.

Short Bio

Born in 1960 in Iowa, Wiegman spent much of his childhood at his father's architectural firm, drawing and building models. After college, he bounced through the usual range of jobs that artists are required to perform to support themselves in America: carpentry, graphic design, film projection, teaching, and arts administration.

Information courtesy of the artist

Similar Artwork

Work by Clark Wiegman

- Spirit Boat: lit from within at night, this piece at the West Hill Community Center combines traditions from many cultures that call Renton home.

- The Tree of Life: located in the Victor Steinbrueck Park at the Pike Place Market, this work was funded by the Homeless Remembrance Project and is a place to remember homeless friends and loved ones in the community.

At the Airport

Clark Wiegman is not the only artist at Sea-Tac Airport interested in providing appeal to cement structures! Visit Carolyn Braaksma's piece that makes up the third runway embankment wall. Both Wiegman and Braaksma made a point to highlight the natural icons of the Northwest.

To see more of Wiegman's art as well as an example of Braaksma's work at the airport, please visit Connected Stories below.

Wing Fern - Clark Wiegman

This project's premise is based on the bisection of the natural environs and an established community.