Wall of Death

Description:  Alluding to the carnival motordome events of the early 20th century, The Wall of Death includes 12 lavender conical metal columns supporting a pink steel circular track into which the 30” words are cut, “THE WALL OF DEATH.”  The metal columns stand on a cast concrete oval-shaped slab, and cover the ground between and around the line of columns immediately south of the trail. A series of stylized metal chairs mounted to the existing concrete bridge columns, and a group of parking stalls situated directly in front of the piece are designed as seating for imaginary spectators and evoke the sense of a small performance space.   

Artists' Statement: Our sculpture The Wall Of Death was developed out of our interest in the choreography of the ordinary.  People on the Burke-Gilman trail are extended in space and time by the leisure apparatus that they ‘wear’. Bicycles, skateboards, in-line roller skates, pneumatic running shoes, etc. are the order of the day. People have made low-grade art of themselves; adopting particular choreographies dictated by their leisure machines.  They venture forth on increasingly complex apparati for purposes of recreation and display. Our ambition is to bracket this technologised movement; to intervene and to qualify its feeling and meaning. 

Location: Burke Gilman trail near Eastlake Avenue Northeast between Northeast 40th Street & Northeast Northlake Way, Seattle WA  98105