Like most people, I often rush through airports failing to appreciate the art sometimes found within these spaces, not to mention the buildings themselves. Because I live in Indiana, I most frequently use the Indianapolis International airport (IND). It is a very striking building and an award winning airport. I made the photos that follow on those occasions when I’ve had some time before my flight. These are just a sample of the art exhibits contained in the building.
“Connections.” Artists: Electroland/Cameron McNall and Damon Seeley, Los Angeles, California; Installation: 2008. Entrance from the parking garage. Your lights may/will vary!
The above is the main lobby. Concourses A & B are on the left and right side, with security on the right. The clouds are part of a piece called “JetStream.” Artist: Rob Fisher, Chicago (1939-2006); Installation: 2008.
Structural steel columns in the terminal building. Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum (HOK) architects.
Office space above the main lobby. Pro tip: Try the Cuban breakfast at Patachou‘s (found in the lobby area before security).
“The Indiana Windows.” As quoted from Indianapolis International Airport’s site:
British artist Martin Donlin produced 14 large, colorful abstract glass murals composed of numerous individual hand-blown glass panes to create a floor-to-ceiling piece along the walls of both concourses of the terminal at Indianapolis International Airport (IND). Collaborating with The Writers’ Center of Indiana, Donlin sought compositions by contemporary Indiana poets. He selected six poems–including works by Hoosier authors Norbert Krapf, Joyce Brinkman, Ruthelen Burns and Joseph Heithaus–to incorporate into some of the murals.
At 3,292 square feet, this is the largest project Donlin has ever completed. Altogether, the 14 murals are comprised of 2,385 unique hand-blown panes of glass, with each pane weighing approximately 400 pounds.
- Artist: Martin Donlin, Telescombe Cliffs, England
- Installation: 2006-2007
- Locations: Concourse A and Concourse B
Back Home, by Norbert Krapf is featured on the red and orange glass panes:
“Back home on the ground we discover that the gift the great wings gave us is new eyes to see that this place where we live we love more than we knew.”
“Wings in Flight: Air, Water, Earth.” Artist: James Wille Faust, Indianapolis, Indiana; Production: 2013. Only “Earth” is shown; it is part of a triptych.
“Baggage Claim.” Artist: Ron Baron, Brooklyn, New York; Installation: 2008. And you CAN sit on them!
