Level up! A Sculptural View of Sea Level Rise
On view February 17 through August 31, 2021
The museum experience is brought to the outdoors with a life-sized installation of “Level up! A Sculptural View of Sea Level Rise” at the Marin Center Lagoon, San Rafael. As part of the County of Marin Art in the Parks Program, the Marin County Department of Cultural Services, the Marin Cultural Association, and Marin County Parks, in partnership with the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art (MarinMOCA), announce the installation of a series of sculptures by San Rafael artist Jeff Downing titled Aqua Metric Markers.
Aqua Metric Markers consists of five black and white striped obelisk forms and are loosely based on coastal tide gauges. The black and white rings function as an indicator of water levels recorded against the horizon lines on the markers. The sculptures aim to bring community awareness to the issue of global sea level rise.
“The project’s purpose is to call attention to rising sea levels, question our own preconceptions of climate change, and help the Marin County community visualize the potential impact on coastal environments,” said Downing.
Downing’s artworks reflect his interest in mythologies, maritime culture, and water related issues including sea-level rise, flooding, and droughts. He has exhibited in Brazil, Europe, and the United States in galleries, museum collections, public art venues, and private collections. He teaches all aspects of ceramics with specialized knowledge in kiln theory/design and glaze firing processes. In 2020, Downing was the Artist in Residence at MarinMOCA in Novato where his work was showcased in a special exhibit titled “Level up! A Sculptural View of Sea Level Rise.” The work at Lagoon Park is an outdoor extension of this exhibit.
Aqua Metric Markers is formed of vitrified ceramic components that are set together using stainless steel rods, standing approximately 6’ tall in a trapezoid-like configuration. The sculpture series is mounted to a removable frame below the waterline.
For more information, visit jeffdowningart.com
The sculptures are on view from the North shore of the Lagoon, adjacent to Children’s Island. The Lagoon Park and Children's Island are open to the public 24/7 unless there is an event or signage stating otherwise. Please email lgarrison@marincounty.org for information.