Bernheim is closed on February 19.

Bloom, Wither, Repeat by Jonathan Pellitteri

By Jenny Zeller

Bloom, Wither, Repeat is inspired by the flourish of life that follows a summer rain. This kinetic sculpture highlights this phenomenon and speaks to the regenerative nature of the landscape.

Bloom, Wither, Repeat by Jonathan Pellitteri

Created by Jonathan Pellitteri from Charlotte, NC, Bloom, Wither, Repeat is an installation composed of two flowers approximately 16′ tall by 18′ wide, that will bloom with rain, and wither in dry spells. When water fills the vessel at the top of each flower, the petals will bloom towards the sky and as the water slowly drains during dry periods, the petals will fall back down to the base. The work investigates the intersection of the natural world with advancements in engineering and science, engaging viewers in curious and explorative ways.

 

Jonathan visited Bernheim in April to experience the native wildflowers in bloom for making his L+A+N+D installation site-specific. As a result, the work is loosely inspired by rue anemone, a spring ephemeral native to Eastern North America that is also found in deciduous forests.

Artist, Jonathan Pellitteri

Petals of each flower are made from lashed branches of invasive bush honeysuckle, cleared from the Arboretum by Bernheim’s Research Coordinator Kelly Vowels, and fabricated with the help of our dedicated art volunteers.

 

The artwork celebrates the beauty of native flowers and fosters curiosity with its natural and mechanical aesthetics, while clearly illustrating the current rainfall conditions of our region.

 

This L+A+N+D experience would not be possible without the materials support from Salt River Electric and installation support from Kentuckiana Electrical Services.

 


Jonathan Pellitteri is an award-winning artist who makes work with three-dimensional objects and industrial materials. For over the past 20+ years, Jonathan has shown his work in countless group and solo exhibitions throughout the country. His sculptures and drawings are included in public, private, and corporate collections throughout the United States and Europe. Additionally, Jonathan manages the UNC Charlotte Department of Art and Art History 3D Studios and Rowe Digital Fabrication Lab, promoting interdisciplinary approaches to creating art, in a space that is accessible to people of all skill levels.

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