The piece, titled “Sunrising,” is now a focal point of the airport, enhancing the travel experience for passengers with its vibrant, dynamic design.
TULSA, OK – July 12, 2024 – Tulsa International Airport is proud to announce the completion of a stunning new hanging art installation in front of its TSA security checkpoint. Created by Tulsa-based artist Shane Darwent, the piece, titled “Sunrising,” completely transforms the airport’s main hall with a series of 34 colored-resin panels that transition through the color spectrum of a sky from sunrise to sunset. Each panel is mounted to a motor hidden in the ceiling above, and the entire installation slowly rotates, creating a wavelike movement from side to side across a 120’ span.
When Darwent was creating the concept for “Sunrising” he was inspired by the unobstructed gradients of sky seen from the window of a plane. The installation not only enhances the airport space but also embodies a sense of tranquility and inspiration, welcoming travelers with its serene and uplifting ambiance. Darwent hopes that the piece serves as a point of reflection for passengers to consider the trips they just made, or the journeys they are about to embark on.
The installation of “Sunrising” was completed this week, marking the conclusion of nearly a year of planning. The piece will be displayed for years to come, ensuring that it will be enjoyed by countless visitors and employees.
“Flying for me has always been and remains a magical experience. I love staring out the window, watching the transition between towns or geographies, the perfect gradient of color in the sky or the clouds obscuring it. I’m filled with emotion during these times”, said Shane Darwent, Artist for “Sunrising”. “I think about my family and friends, the journey we are on together and my place within it all. I hope that my project can bring physical form to some of these ephemeral feelings.”
“We are thrilled and grateful to showcase Shane’s exceptional work here in Tulsa, as he’s done major projects around the world,” said the Stephanie Chester, Director of Marketing and Community Relations who manages the airport’s art and culture program. “Art has the power to transform spaces and elevate experiences, and ‘Sunrising’ does exactly that. It’s a testament to the creativity and talent that thrives here in Tulsa, and we are proud to share it with the millions of passengers who travel through our airport each year.”
Darwent commissioned Texas-based Rootlab to help with the technical design and implementation of the project. Rootlab is a multidisciplinary design and fabrication firm focused on creating unforgettable experiences through thoughtfully built environments, exhibitions and objects. Rootlab’s team of engineers and fabricators designed, built and installed the 34 motor mounts and panels. “When Shane came to us with this project, we were excited by the scale and visibility of the project. It was also a fun and challenging technical problem for our engineering team to solve,” said Logan Beck, one of Rootlab’s partners. “We’re happy to be able to help Shane and the Tulsa International Airport make this exciting project happen.”
With a total cost of $225,000, “Sunrising” is the largest investment the airport has made in its art collection to date. This significant commitment emphasizes Tulsa International Airport’s dedication to supporting local artists while adding to customers’ experiences while traveling. The project was completely funded by airport revenue.
To celebrate the new installation, Tulsa International Airport will be launching a social media campaign requesting passengers to share their airplane window view photos on social media using the hashtag # TULsunrising. Participants have a chance to be featured on the airport’s social media channels.
About Shane Darwent: Tulsa-based artist, Shane Darwent, moved to the area in 2018 after being selected to join the Tulsa Artist Fellowship and has since made significant contributions to the city’s creative community and economy. Over the past few years, Darwent has managed both public and private commissions with a combined budget of over $1,000,000. Darwent was the creative lead and project manager for the outdoor public artwork at USA BMX Headquarters in Greenwood, and recently completed an extensive international collaboration with the Paris-based fashion house Saint Laurent.
About Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust: Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust (TAIT) administers, manages and operates Tulsa International Airport (TUL) and Tulsa Riverside Airport (RVS), both of which are owned by the City of Tulsa. TAIT’s mission is to provide a safe, efficient, self-supporting airport system for the citizens of the Tulsa metropolitan area and surrounding region.
About Tulsa International Airport: Five air carriers offer nonstop service from TUL to 22 destinations across the country. In 2023, the airport had the highest number of annual passengers since 2008 with a total of 3.14 million passengers. For more information visit www.flytulsa.com.
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