Set on the bank of the Mississippi River in New Orleans, “Ocean Song” by John Scott directly connects to the cultural amalgamations that have come to define the past and present of the city. He was a winner of a prestigious “genius grant” from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation in 1992 at the apex of his career, defining the backdrop of the piece tht has come to define the park on the shoreline of New Orleans.
Scott is best known for his African-Caribbean-New Orleans-inspired kinetic sculptures, with “Ocean Song” being one of the most prominent examples. However, the identity that piece represents to and for the city is connected to something much larger.
The 16-foot-long mirrored sculpture is specific to the culture of the city that connects to Congo Square and beyond. While Scott tried to capture the musicality of New Orleans in the colors and rhythms of his sculptures, “Ocean Song” literally reflects something much deeper. It connects audiences to the settings of New Orleans as well as to themselves, opening them up to the deeper cultural symbolism and personal connection that is built into the piece.
“The rings at the top of the sculpture represent the circle dances that were performed at Congo Square by slaves,” Scott was quoted as saying. “The wires that bisect the rings are a reminder of the traditional African diddley bow musical instrument and the wind-activated aluminum rods produce visual patterns reminiscent of jazz.”
This cultural connection to the past and present of New Orleans is evident in places like Congo Square and in places like Music Legends Park, highlighting how the pieces is tied to the entire city on multiple levels. “Ocean Song” has become one of the most defining features in Woldenberg Park, showcasing what it can mean for a monument to provide a sense of connection and identity that continues to evolve and engage audiences.
Scott’s work connected to themes related to African-American life and the musical heritage of New Orleans. “Ocean Song” makes that connection to both in obvious and subtle ways, highlighting what it can mean for a monument to resonate with audiences across cultures and eras.
