Arch Cradle is a public sculpture located in the City of Palo Alto, California. It is situated in the Mitchell Park Complex and is the work of sculptor Michael Szabo.
Szabo, a native of the Bay Area, forms large scale outdoor installations using primarily bronze or stainless steel. His installations tend to interact with the environments they are placed in. As described on his website:
"aesthetic language and occasional use of elements such as water have allowed the studio to explore the relationship between art, landscape, and architectural spaces"
Despite his tendency towards large sculptures, he also does smaller ones that would fit in a family garden. He also has installations around the world.
The first thing I though of when glancing at the sculpture was that of a snake curing up. The snake feeling is quickly dispelled by the fact that there are clearly two ends. The weld lines are integrated into the structure and form a segmented section that appears to be uniform from one tail end to the middle then back again. It is fascinating to look at and go back and forth on what is going on. It was barricaded off as you will see int he pictures and the plaque is new, as well. The background on the artist page is a bit different so Im wondering if it has been moved from another site in the park.
Arch Cradle is off the main parking area for Mitchell Park and towards the interior. There are tons of services, including the ultra modern Library, tennis courts, the magic Bridge Playground, etc. Unlike many art isntalaltions, a whole day can be made out a trip to the park and its environs. read more