In a momentous dedication ceremony hosted by the Moody Center for the Arts, Rice University President Reginald DesRoches welcomed visitors to witness the unveiling of “Crux Australis 68.00,” a stunning fusion of art and engineering that now graces the Ralph S. O’Connor Building for Engineering Science.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, DesRoches, himself an engineer, underscored the significance of placing a work inspired by natural science in a setting dedicated to groundbreaking research. He stated, “I’m particularly excited about this piece and the opportunity to place a work inspired by natural science in a place where scholars, scientists, and engineers are engaged in some of the world’s most important work, including problems around energy, climate, and sustainability.”
Commissioned by the Moody Center for the Rice Public Art collection, “Crux Australis 68.00” is the brainchild of the internationally renowned Argentine artist Tomás Saraceno. The polyhedral sculpture, named after the constellation with the highest concentration of bright stars, consists of 10 shapes arranged in three clusters of interconnected polyhedrons, drawing inspiration from the Weaire-Phelan structure. Saraceno’s creation reflects extensive research into molecular, environmental, and metaphorical aspects of natural shapes such as bubbles, clouds, spiderwebs, and honeycombs.
Alison Weaver, the Suzanne Deal Booth Executive Director of the Moody Center, lauded Saraceno’s ability to merge diverse disciplines. “Tomás works with architecture, with bioscience, with the natural world, with engineering in ways that invite us to reconsider our world and our relationship to both the natural forms and the man-made research that’s happening in this building,” she said.
At the dedication ceremony on Dec. 13, DesRoches highlighted the importance of integrating public art into the university environment. He emphasized how it enriches the experiences of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors, particularly within the rapidly popular O’Connor Building. DesRoches sees “Crux Australis 68.00” as a symbol of the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, mirroring the structure’s interconnected polyhedrons. Suspended in midair and adorned with mirrored surfaces, the artwork captures the essence of its surroundings, symbolizing the bright future and collaborative spirit at the core of Rice’s educational philosophy.
Saraceno, present at the dedication, shared his excitement and the challenges faced in bringing the installation to life. Having observed the piece for over a year and a half in virtual reality, he marvelled at the unexpected compositions and reflections that exceeded his expectations.
“When you look at the work, you never see what you are seeing somehow because of the position of all of these reflections,” Saraceno explained. “It composed something that seems quite impossible.” He hopes his work will connect people, disciplines, and the university to the world, the planet, and even other solar systems and galaxies. This installation marks the first permanent, public display of Saraceno’s work in Houston and serves as a testament to Rice’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary conversations.
The unveiling of “Crux Australis 68.00” stands as a transformative moment, bridging the realms of art and engineering and inviting all to contemplate the boundless possibilities at the intersection of science and creativity. As Rice University continues to pioneer innovation and collaboration, this extraordinary installation reaffirms its dedication to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and inspiring the next generation of thinkers and creators.