Color
Sentinels
Located at the drop-off entry area of the new Des Moines International Airport terminal, Color Sentinels brings vibrant color and rhythm to the airport's entrance.
The series of sculptural forms inspired by Iowa's native Prairie Rose is made of metal with a high-performance paint finish and features LED accent lighting; the artwork at the bus shelters in the commercial lane is made of color-printed vinyl applied to the back side of glass panels.
Color Sentinels is commissioned by the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation and the Des Moines Airport Authority. This installation site is named for the Deb and Bob Pulver Foundation.
The integrated art installation's scale and placement relate to a prominent vehicular arrival moment on the site and are responsive to the architectural context of the new DSM International Airport Terminal. It provides bursts of color in the outdoor plaza at the approach to the pedestrian drop-off zone.
Inspired by nature, the sentinels celebrate a colorful vibrancy found in many of the Midwest region's native plants, from the State of Iowa flower, the Wild Prairie Rose, to the purple coneflower and more.
Variations in shape between forms nod to the subtle Iowan landscapes, the perceived flatness giving way to gently rolling hills and bluffs revealing shifting perceptions of color throughout the day in light and shadow.
Recognizing seasonal shifts in the colors of this region's landscapes, the sentinels echo the beauty of full bloom in summer and, in winter, provide a cheerful reminder of the promise of spring. Integrated LED lighting provides soft illumination and serves as a warm, welcoming beacon to visitors.