Artist:  Jennifer Steinkamp
Title: Murmuration
Date:  2013
Dimensions:   25.656 x 24.016 feet, 40 x 42.5 mm GKD Media Mesh
Photo Credit:  Javier Bosques, Jennifer Steinkamp
Part of the Collection: Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, Long Beach, California.
Exhibition History:  Murmuration, Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, Long Beach, California, curated by Marc Pally, November 21, 2013 - permanent.

Description: Historically courthouses have used the frieze as an art form to convey themes such as justice and law. This LED display could be considered a reinvention of the frieze utilizing three-dimensional animation displayed on an electronic mesh. The artwork is located in the expansive courthouse lobby, it consists of colorful feathers flying in a murmuration similar to birds in flight. The concept was inspired by the Egyptian goddess of justice Ma'at; her ostrich feather is an emblem of truth and justice. Egyptians believe that at the time of death, the goddess, Ma'at, weighs the feather against the heart of the deceased. If the weight of the heart is lighter or heavier than the feather the soul is dammed to hell.

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