Robert Kent Wilson: Public Art

Fascinated by the social impact art can bring, RKW is creating both archival interior artwork and long lasting large-scale exterior public art. The public art is particularly well suited for his hyper-focused approach to imagery and experiments with new mediums that allow him to present his artwork to a broader audience. Motivated by the social interaction and human curiosity of his work, RKW considers himself a true public servant.

...if you would like more information on RKW's public commissions, or have one to share, please don't hesitate to contact the artist.

Some New Color

400 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC

With Some New Color, RKW combined the philosophies of the Washington Color School with his experimental use of new mediums and techniques, hoping to encourage a sense of local pride and to inspire more local artists to continue producing and exploring the boundaries of art. “I don't necessarily consider myself a Color Field Artist, but my inspiration embodies much of what those artists did more than 40 years ago, with a heightened sense of awareness and a contemporary approach.”

Mistakenly labeled as a transient fine art city, Washington, DC has played a significant role in the history of Art. Through the 60s and 70s a group of artists known as The Washington Color School were creating mixed media and painted abstract works of art, central to the larger Color Field movement. Color Field Art is a subtype of Abstract Expressionism where artists became interested in the effects that large expanses of color had on the atmosphere and mood of the work. This work was generally large, and conveyed a sense of infinity, and being immersed in an environment of color.

We are so pleased with what Robert has created. His work is very well suited and appropriate for the space, and it adds a beautiful and colorful dimension to the street experience for all to enjoy.

Patricia Zingsheim,
400 Massachusetts Condo Association

Consultants:
Ray Colbert,
Lighting Coordination
Keith Bartlet,
Electrician
Steve Krueger,
Printing & Installation

Metropolitan Branch Trail

Metro Washington, DC

These proposed public art installations demonstrate how elements from the graphic identity and wayfinding signage can be use to create a unique stopping place or visual identifier. Such applications help unify the lengthy trail by visually relating without seeming repetitive.

This proposed public art installation is located along the CSX railroad line portion of the metropolitan Banch Trail. This artful reuse of disgarded railroad timbers creates an informal border between the trail and the train tracks. The asymmetrical placement, and inconsistent angles suggests perhaps a controlled chaos, rather appropriate for this part of the trail.

H Street Playhouse

1365 H Street, NE, Washington, DC

This public art project was awarded by the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities as part of their Art in Public Places, Expressive Storefront Signage initiative. Completed 2003.

HNTB Architecture

7th Street, NW, Washington, DC

This temporary public art project titled “Creating Desire By Withholding” was installed in the ground floor of the HNTB Architecture office space and was accessable 24/7 by the public for a month. Completed 2003.

Cleveland Park Exxon

Cleveland Park, NW, Washington, DC

This proposed public art project demonstrates how art in public places can enliven an area and bring fine art to a community. The artwork would be installed on the side of a of a retail establishment that faces a heavily traveled intersection. Completed 2002.

Reston Town Center

One Freedom Square, Reston, Virginia

This public art project was awarded by Boston Properties as part of a community outreach campaign. Completed 1999.

Dupont Circle Art on Call

21st & New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC

This public art project was awarded by Cultural Tourism, DC as part of a community restoration and re-purposing of the old police call boxes. Completed 2005.

Creating Desire by Withholding

Mount Pleasant, NW, Washington, DC

This dual purpose public art project demonstrates the possibilities of art in unexpectated places and is a “prototype” allowing the artist to test materials and finishes for long-term use on future projects. Completed 2002.

But Never Will They Kiss...

Mount Pleasant, NW, Washington, DC

This high profile residential public art project is a testimony to how art can inspire a community. Situated in an area with heavy foot traffic, passersby often stopped to contemplate the imagery and thank the homeowners for sharing it with the neighborhood Completed 2003.

Capitol Park Historical Signage

SW, Washington, DC

This public art project was awarded by SW Capitol Park Association as part of a heritage awareness campaign. Completed 2007.

Never

Mount Pleasant, NW, Washington, DC

This public art project was created to demnstrate how public art can be incorporated into a residential environment. Completed 2001.

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Some New Color

400 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC

When awarded the 400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW public art commission through a partnership with building residents and the CVS Corporation, RKW saw an opportunity to pay tribute to his hometown of Washington, DC, and to the artists that graced the city streets not so long ago. “Not nearly enough of DC residents, both established and new, are familiar with the significance that these artists played in the history of art and of this city. This project allowed me to show my appreciation by drawing inspiration for the project while adding some new color to the landscape.” Completed 2008.