While the physical building and lawn space of One Financial Plaza are like many in the Central Business District in Springfield, Massachusetts, what has transformed both are the sculptures and monuments that have been able to bring visitors into the area and create a new dialogue about what Springfield has to offer. Many of these pieces were created by artist James Kitchen, whose work has defined the space on multiple levels.
Kitchen has always been fascinated by history and theoretical physics. His work utilizes recycled pieces of history that have been left behind as rusted metal. With these pieces he’s able to explore theories of space and time. All of the metal in his sculptures come from local farms, antique stores, auctions, and even materials that Kitchen has had donated to him.
This focus on history and theoretical physics can be seen in pieces like “Phision” and “Quantum Physics.” Kitchen has talked about how some of the parts and gears in his work are 150 years old, with each piece telling a different story and having a unique narrative.
Evan Plotkin, one of the owners of One Financial Plaza, created this public art gallery. Doing so has helped attract activity into the Central Business District and specifically to One Financial Plaza, creating a powerful economic impact on and for the surrounding community. The display of Kitchen’s work was designed to cultivate a brighter further for the city that is connected to the creative economy of artists across the region.
Using monuments and sculptures to stimulate discussions about the city and the deeper history and theoretical physics that are represented in his work has attracted visitors to the area in a major way. His work has brightened up the space and served as a draw for people in a way that resonates for tenants and the entire Springfield community.
Doing so showcases how such pieces can create opportunities on a large and small scale which can be enabled in countless ways, no matter the location or scope.
