HENRY PHILIPPE LOUSTAU

Interactive and Kinetic Sculpture

"Orchid Mobile"

 

The Orchid Mobile celebrates the beauty and bizarreness of orchids. While it is generally agreed that the orchid flower is exquisitely beautiful, the plants can be odd and unpredictable. This suspended sculpture does not represent one specific orchid species. Instead, it rearranges the major components of orchids into an original composition of organic forms. The pastel colors complement the spectacular colors of Longwood’s Orchid Extravaganza season. The sculpture is both elegant and playful, and reminds us of the vitality and excitement that accompanies horticulture!

The Orchid Mobile occupies a dramatic space. Suspended above the East Conservatory, one can’t help but notice the colossal building in which the sculpture is housed. The yellow truss-like “stems” echo the structural trusses that support the building above the mobile sculpture. A visit to the Conservatory is not only an opportunity to see many wonderful plants, but it is an experience of the environment in which the plants have been arranged. Nature and design are collaborators! The slow rotation of the sculpture introduces a sense of growth and transformation into the sculpture. The sculpture is alive and changes before our eyes.

"Ochid Moble" by Henry Loustau, Longwood Gardens

Henry Loustau's "Orchid Mobile", Longwood Gardens

Orchid Mobile was designed by Henry Loustau for Longwood Gardens in Kennett Sqaure, PA. It is fabricated from stainless steel and powder-coated. The flowers are white Phalaenopsis. Photo credit: Longwood Gardens, Larry Albee

 

"Orchid Moblie" by Henry Loustau, Longwood Gardens

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artwork for Elevated Train Station at 52nd and Market Streets, Philadelphia, PA

 

"Constellation"

polychrome steel
one of three sculptures for SEPTA station
"Constellation" by Henry and Erica Loustau, suspended steel sculpture, 52nd and Market Street SEPTA station, Philadelphia, PA
"Constellation by Henry and Erica Loustau
"Constellation by Henry and Erica Loustau

Collaborative Project with Erica Loustau

Several visits to the 52nd Street neighborhood revealed one dramatic observation about the community’s response to the “time” theme for art in the train station. Community members were more interested in the symbolic meaning of time, rather than the literal meaning. Our design celebrates the symbolism of time. It reflects the complex layering within a community that evolves over time, and the hopeful optimism that accompanies the future that time will provide.

 “Literal time” is important to almost everyone who travels by train for work, play, or the many other activities that fill our daily lives. Clock imagery in the form of a clock face, hands, numerals and pendulums make specific references to this aspect of time. The use of interlocking gear wheels suggests not only the interior mechanisms within a clock, but also the complex interactions within an urban community. A peek within an older-style clock will reveal multiple layers of gears, levers and other mysterious devices that enable a timepiece to maintain order. What looks chaotic inside your trusty old, wind-up alarm clock is actually a sophisticated system that measures time with amazing accuracy. Communities have similar characteristics with many interactions between diverse members. A community has layers that often go beyond the superficial appearances that are revealed at first glance. Communities often appear chaotic (and sometimes they are), but upon closer observation one discovers subtle mechanisms that propel, regulate, and transform that same community.

By deconstructing the familiar clock into an energetic composition and adding suns,
moons and other grand symbols of time we represented time as an exciting, mysterious, and dynamic force within the 52nd Street community. Color will is an important element of the design. We selected many lively colors that separate these sculptural compositions from the architecture of the station. At the same time, we complemented the subtle and attractive color choices that exist with the materials that were used to build the station.

"Before, Now, Tomorrow"

polychrome steel
one of three sculptures for SEPTA station
"Before, Now Tomorrow" by Henry and Erica Loustau, 52nd and Market Street station, Philadelphia, PA
"Before, Now, Tomorrow"

"Onward and Upward"

polychrome steel
one of three sculptures for SEPTA station
"Onward and Upward" by Henry and Erica Loustau, 52nd and Market Street SEPTA station, Philadelphia, PA
 

"The Four Freedoms"

Henry Loustau's kinetic sculpture, "The Four Freedoms"

"The Four Freedoms" is installed on the grounds of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library in Hyde Park, New York.

A Kinetic Sculpture

 

A renewed interest in freedom and its role in our complex world were the inspirations for this dramatic, kinetic form. The sculpture’s use of red, white, and blue…with golden stars and bold stripes…makes a familiar reference to patriotic American themes. The lower part of the sculpture is a swirl of glistening metallic elements that attempt to capture the heroic spirit of the Roosevelt legacy.

Each of the Four Freedoms is etched into the base of the sculpture. A small bronze symbol accompanies each Freedom. These symbols are a gesture toward making the concepts more accessible to young children. The upper part of the sculpture takes the shape of the numeral four. When the wind blows this upper structure will rotate like a weather vane or a sailboat. Two sets of propellers and a large horizontal whirligig keep the sculpture in nearly perpetual motion. The kinetic nature of this sculpture and its bold graphics attract viewers to it. Children of all ages come closer to see how it works. They are introduced to, or reacquainted with, the concept of the Four Freedoms. The sculpture honors Franklin Delano Roosevelt by making subtle references to selected themes from his complex and inspiring personal history. A light in the base creates dramatic effects at night.

 

"Up, Down, All Around "

Interactive Kinetic Sculpture at The Strong Museum, Rochester, NY
 

Playing has a lot in common with creating art. Both processes include exploration, discovery, taking chances, solving problems, and the occasional expression of a personal style. When a small child fumbles with brightly colored toys, that child is performing some of these functions. An experienced artist continues to practice these same skills. My best art is always the result of me having fun!

Interactive Ball Sculpture, The Strong Museum
 
 

"Working Bank"

Ocean County Public Library, Toms River, New Jersey

Butterflies flutter, birds spin, lights go on, and a unicyclist starts peddling atop a huge wheel - all for a contribution... The artist/sculptor, Henry Loustau, has addressed himself to the art of collecting admission contributions. He has created a series of sculptures that respond with various motions, sounds and visual effects and are located in the lobbies of public institutions for the purpose of admission collection. These unusual pieces are both colorful and are articulated in a manner that gratifies the contributor, both young and old alike.

Henry Loustau's kinetic contribution machine, "Working Bank"

 
 

"House With A Good View"

Bronze sculpture, "House With A Good View" by Henry Loustau

Cast bronze

 

The “little house in a vast landscape” is an image that has entertained me for quite some time.

Where is this place? Who lives here? Why is this happening? What does it mean? These are the great questions that each of us asks about our lives and our destinies. Most of us seek a sense of security within a home. For a few enlightened individuals, the security does not come in the form of boards and bricks, but can exist within the intangible realm of the mind, spirit, or psyche. It’s a home, nonetheless.

At the same time that I’m building my home (or my castle, or my sanctuary), I feel the call of the open road. I dream about the potential of unrealized possibilities. I wonder about the vast number of adventures that lurk just beyond the horizon. These adventures beckon to anyone who cares to respond...

READ MORE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shown here are examples that are now in use in public instututions and are intriguing examples of how "art" can entertain.

West Grove Public Library

"Quarters for Cats", Philadelphia Zoo

"Old Dog New Trick"

"A Non-Garden Garden", New Castle County Court House
Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts

These machines can be designed in many different styles. They can be used for permanent exhibits, special children's exhibitions or fund-raising events. If your institution has a specific theme, Loustau can address himself to making the design reflect the communities in which they are placed.

For example, the moving figures can be in costume, or animals and insects can be made to intereact. Architectural forms and shapes can also be incorporated as part of the visual effect to depict the unique character of your institution.

Home
Biography
Resume
Painting and Drawing
Contact