Hydrospheres
Linda Covit, 2022
Background
Displayed on the forecourt of the Montreal Port Tower, the sculptural installation Hydrospheres by Linda Covit was inspired by the theme of water as a tribute to the St. Lawrence River. The work was commissioned by the MPA as part of a competition organized by the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications.
The artwork
Three see-through metallic structures are positioned on the site of the artwork (10m x 10m), suggesting spherical drops of water momentarily compressed as they land on the quay. Made from 3/4” (2 cm) stainless steel tubing, each rises from an oval base.
During summer months, a water effect rounds out the installation. Mist rises from the centre of each structure, moving upwards and outwards across the sculpture. The amount of mist dispersed is always directly related to the river's water level. A water-level probe placed in the river and connected to a control device makes it possible to emit more mist when the water level rises, and less mist when it subsides.
During evening hours, the installation will be enhanced by lights embedded in the ground inside of each sculpture. The three lights in each structure are the same shade of blue, either teal, azure or Egyptian blue.