SR-11-A (37)
GS:SS:sm:srart.word.genserv
Council meeting: May 26, 1992
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Santa Monica, California
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TO:
Mayor and City Council
FROM:
City Staff
SUBJECT: Recommendation to Approve the Installation of an Art
Piece Under the pier
Introduction
On March 17, 1992, Council considered recommendations to install
an art piece consisting of boats to be mounted underneath the
pier called "Twilight and Yearning" by Manfred Mueller. During
the Council discussion, there were a number of questions raised
regarding the location of the boats; if they would be damaged by
wave action: potential safety issues of people viewing the piece:
and the message the piece conveys.
Background
General Services as well as Cultural and Recreation staff met
with the artist and the Arts Commission Chair Bruria Finkel at
the site in order to answer Council's concerns. The outcome of
the meeting was that the artist agreed to move the boats to a
location near the south edge of the pier at a point approximately
100 feet inland from the tide line.
In addition,
the artist
agreed to hang the boats with secure galvanized metal hangers,
upside down, horizontally, and close to the underside of the
Pier. Lighting will be provided by the artist to illuminate the
artwork and the surrounding area.
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It has been determined by city staff that this art proj ect is
unlikely to be damaged by wave action because the artwork will be
mounted inland from and higher than any wave action. The change
in location and the lighting will allow the piece to be much more
visible to the beach-going public. In addition, this method of
securing the artwork to the pier prevents anyone from climbing in
or on the artwork. Installation will be reviewed and monitored
by the City Engineering Division.
Regarding the symbolism of the piece, the artist stated that he
is concerned with the cleanliness of the oceans of the world, not
only Santa Monica Bay. The intent of the art proj ect will be
further clarified in all publicity and signage for the project.
All signage will be developed by the artist but will be subject
to City approval prior to the installation of the artwork.
The Pier Restoration Corporation Board has reviewed and approved
the proposal as revised, subject to monitoring of the work by the
Engineering Division*
Financial/Budget Impact
As this is a donation proposed by the artist, Mr. Mueller will be
responsible for obtaining the majority of the funds. On November
18, 1991, the Arts Commission voted to allot $5,000 towards the
installation of the proj ect from Percent for Art funds
(01-740-560-20092-8900-99081). The German Government has pledged
funds for the realization of this art proj ect contingent upon
approval by the city.
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Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council approve the installation
of the art piece, Twilight and Yearning, as described in this
report.
Prepared by: stan Scholl, Director of General services
Barbara Moran, Director of Cultural/Rec. Services
Tony Antich, city Engineer
Maria de Herrera, Cultural Arts Administrator
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SANTA
ImIIITIillII
MONICA
May 26, 1992
Santa Monica City Council
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Dear CouncIl Members
I am writing in support of Manfred Muller's instal1atio~, TWIlIght and Yearning,
and I enthusiastically endorse its placement along the underside of the Santa
Monica pier adjacent to the pubhc boardwalk The proposed art work integrates
several conserns whIch make it a flttmg and appropnate work for thIS site, an
area positIoned between the mainland and the engulfmg waters of Santa Monica
Bay.
Here, Manfred has placed three wooden 18 foot long boats wrested from the
ocean waters and strapped to the moorings which support the pIer. The boats are
stranded from their natural habitat, theIr fate left to question as they await the
intervention of someone or somethmg to return them to the adjacent waters
As one of the earliest forms of transportatlOn made by man, these boats are rich
in associations, and I believe Manfred has deliberately chosen this form to
question man's relatIOnship to the enVIronment and our estrangment from the
natural world Obviously, the proposed work is open to other interpretatIons,
but at the very least it IS a work rIch In poetry and one certamly worthy of the
CIty'S consideration
I respectfully recommend that you give thIS proposal every consideration as I am
sure that this work will be a distingmshed additIon to the City's landscape.
Sincerel y,
TiVL~/Ir ~(,fl.4~J0--
Thomas Rhoads
Executive Director
2437 Mpm St"eel
Santa MOlllca. CaltjOI'7110 90405
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Santa Monica city Council
Santa Monica, CA
Dear Council Me~bers:
As an art-lover, as a nature-lover, and as a resident of one of
America '5 eul tural centers, I urge Y1:lU to pass Manfr(;!d Mueller's
project "TWILIGHT AND YEARNING."
Vaslov Havel, the Playwright elected president of Czechoslovakia,
recently said that no matter how har~h the economic climate, art
must not be forgotten nor neglected. It is, after all, the soul
of society. Mueller's project speaks to that soul.
You as a council can set an important precedent in passing this
project. Our people and governments must endorse art throughout
the ages, or our higher natures - through Which love, compassion,
generosity and sacrifice are born - will wither.
Thank you.
Leigh Skinner
2132 Sunset Crest
Los Angeles, CA 90046
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Santa Monlca city Council
Santa Monica, california
June 2, 1992
Dear Council Members:
As a concerned Los Angeles resident and long-time lover of
Santa Monica's unique pier and waterfront area, I attended the
council meet1ng of May 26 in order to add my voice to those in
support of Manfred Muller's art installation, "Twilight and
'learningn,
I was disappointed (although I certainly sympathize with
your pressing workload) that consideration of Mr. Muller's
proposal had to be delayed, because I looked forward to urging
you in person to approve it.
Manfred Muller's simple but elegant installation will, I
believe, add an intriguing and thought-provoking artistic
dimension to an area (the great columned hall beneath the pier)
that already draws passersby and instills a sense of awe and
wonder.
Your approval of Mr. Muller's installation will make a very
positive statement about Santa Monica's support of meaningful art
that is truly integrated into the community and accessible to the
public. In a more subtle, but nonetheless powerful way, the
project also makes a positive statement about Santa Monica's
sensitivity and committment to important environmental issues
that affect us all.
Thank you tor your consideration, and I urge your approval.
Sincerely,
J:f ~~
Edwin Fortson, Jr.
Los Angeles, CA
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We as human beings expresss our understanding of the world in various
symbols: language. images. music. We use different languages toferr'"i.ulate
our experiences and the resulting views of the world: science. philosophy.
and art. As an example, mankind has. since its early days created
numerous mythologies to explain the powers and processes which make the
sun cross the sky and let us live and die.
I see Martfi"ed Muliers Pier Project 'Twilight and Yearning" in this context.
In the powerful setting under the pier he creates a poetical and mediative
environment. a visual experience where people will ask questions and
receive answers. He creates a modem mythology: yes, the boats will be set
free when the bay is purijied again, Watch, listen and learn, become aware
of what is happening around you. Change is needed.
1 am strongly supporting Ma'lfred Mullers idea, because a project like this
will awake the obseroers senses.
C.Dillbohner
May 26, 1992