Georgetown in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Natural Chaos Scarlet by Arne Quinze
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 8, 2024
1. Natural Chaos Scarlet by Arne Quinze Marker
Urban Installation: Sequoia DC, 30th St NW, Potomac boardwalk, Washington D.C.
Construction Period: 2016 - 2017
Dimensions: 41 ft x 43 ft x 43 ft
Materials: 28 tons of metal & aluminum
Natural Chaos Scarlet
Contemporary artist Arne Quinze has created a unique sculpture installed along the shores of the Potomac River. Quinze comes to Washington with this project to deliver a clear intent: to activate a discursive exchange and critical engagement with the landscape and to encourage the restoration of balance between culture and nature. The sculpture base is an elegant twisted column that splits up into three branches. This heavy masterwork, weighing 28 tons, was handcrafted in its entirety by the artist and his team in Belgium. Atop the sculpture is an assemblage of unique, sculpted organic forms. For the creation of this nest-like composition, the artist took his inspiration from nature.
For the creation of Scarlet, Quinze was inspired by the Scarlet Oak. This bright red colored tree has deep roots in the history of Washington D.C. and reinforces the enduring cultural link between civic symbolism and natural imagery. Arne Quinze appropriates this symbol and attempts to reactivate its presence by encouraging a dialogue about environmental awareness. Quinze wants to motivate the viewer experientially through the power of Scarlet, empowering them to work actively towards a better-balanced society.
Arne Quinze believes that nature holds the solution for a better society and that our urban centers and city life can hugely improve when more closely attuned to its rhythm and diversity. According to Quinze, listening to nature's feedback is the key to a healthy and stable society. With his concept of "cities as open-air-museums," he strives to confront people with art in everyday contexts.
"I was shocked to learn that since I was born in 1971, we, as humans, have managed to destroy one-third of flora and fauna existing at that time. As an artist, I consider it my duty to use my art to call for a better balance between culture and nature. I am trying to encourage a conversation that will change the way we think and ask questions. By doing so, I want to raise the awareness of the viewing public, encouraging a more careful and considered approach to our urban planning." Arne Quinze
Erected 2017.
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Environment. A significant historical year for this entry is 2016.
Location. 38° 54.059′ N, 77° 3.553′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Georgetown. It is on 30th Street Northwest south of K Street Northwest, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2900 K St NW, Washington DC 20007, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Herring Highway (within shouting distance of this marker); History Preserved and Adapted (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tide Lock and Rock Creek Basin (about 600 feet away); Tide Lock
Additional commentary.
1. About the marker
This signage, while interpreting public art, serves as a historical marker by describing how human activity since 1971 has affected the environment.
— Submitted November 12, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 12, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 247 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 12, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
