Helix

Helix, a series of twenty-four spires laid out in the form of a nautilus shell, is based on the dimensions of the golden ratio. We see the golden ratio all around us in nature—from the petals of a lily, to spiral galaxies, hurricane patterns, and even the ratios of human faces. Artists have employed this mathematical principle throughout history, and its proportions were theorized by the Italian mathematician known as Fibonacci. Lewin uses this form to show how math prevails throughout the natural and built worlds, and how we as humans are drawn to the beauty of our environments, and ourselves.

Andante and Helix are a pair of sculptures positioned at opposite ends of the Paseos that are designed to combine mathematical, musical, and dance principles into interactive experiences that stimulate multiple senses. Just as people can trigger sensors on Andante and Helix, the sculptures simultaneously activate the human senses—initiating a flow of energy between the artworks and the participants. Created by Jen Lewin, the interactives pieces initiate a flow of energy between the art and participants.

Artist Bio

Jen Lewin is an internationally recognized new media and interactive sculptor based in Brooklyn, New York. Over her 25-year career, Lewin has honed her architectural background and a highly technical medium to fabricate large-scale, interactive, public sculptures that encourage community interaction and play. Uniting nature and technology, Lewin thinks beyond traditional media to create connected human experiences that bring vibrancy to public spaces. Existing at the intersection of art, technology, and community, her sculptures underscore the ripple effects that each individual has on their community and habitat, the energy of human connection, and the power of collective action.

Lewin’s works have been featured at numerous events including the Takanawa Gateway Fest, Tokyo (2020); Istanbul Light Festival (2015); Vivid Sydney (2018, 2014); iLight Marina Bay, Singapore (2014); Signal Fest, Prague (2014); Burning Man, Black Rock City (2014, 2012, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, etc.); Biennial of the Americas, Denver (2013); and Gwangju Design Biennale (2007). She has had exhibitions across the globe, including at the Oklahoma Contemporary (2020); Hong Kong Arts Centre (2020); Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, Athens (2020); Museum of Design, Atlanta (2018); and the University of Colorado Boulder Art Museum (2013); among others. Lewin has designed, developed, and installed permanent interactive sculptures worldwide, including the Jeju Pool, South Korea (2018); Promenade, Denver (2018); Sidewalk Harp, Minneapolis (2015); and Magical Harp, Palo Alto (2015), among others. She has collaborated with artists and designers, including working with Claes Oldenburg on Paint Torch (2011), now in the collection of Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA); and with Lawrence Argent on Water Tree (2010), installed permanently in Vail, CO.