Icebergs are chunks of ice forming on land which then float in bodies of water. They can range from small pieces to the size of small countries. Redburg (r11io1), 2010 is an artwork by Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle, and though it is made of red anodized aluminum tubing and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic joiners, the shape was inspired by the natural floating forms of icebergs.
The artist’s plaque describes the intent of the artwork: “the presence of the iceberg is a metaphorical reminder that brings together the forces of nature, culture and science to address a specific place, at a specific moment, within the global climate of the time”.
While the International Ice Patrol takes care of the global waters to prevent iceberg collisions, the McKay Lodge Conservation team takes care of artworks that look like icebergs nationwide and in all U.S. territories.
Redburg is nearly 16 feet in height, and it is installed inside the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Silver Spring, Maryland.
The artwork has only been installed a decade so it is in excellent structural condition, but maintenance is still needed. Dust and debris accumulation have clouded the appearance of the artwork, obscuring its unique design and color.
Dust accumulation is not unusual for objects installed in indoor public spaces, especially in highly pedestrian trafficked areas. Regular conservation sculpture maintenance combats dust build-up.
The installation location as well as the size and irregular configuration of Redberg, requires some forethought before performing the conservation sculpture maintenance.
For the best access, the McKay Lodge Conservation team used a simple ladder and extension pole with a microfiber pad to reach all surfaces of the sculpture. The process was time consuming, but after the conservation sculpture maintenance was complete, the surface was returned to its original aesthetic condition.
The artist Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle is an American sculptor. He was born in Madrid, Spain in 1961, and raised in Bogotá, Columbia and Chicago, Illinois. In 1989, he earned a Master of Fine Arts at the School of Art Institute of Chicago. He has since created works of art for exhibitions and installations all over the world.
Manglano-Ovalle creates striking and unique artworks often employing a number of mediums such as still photography, three-dimensional sculpture, video, and audio. To learn more about Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle, visit his official website.