Wendy Letven, Everything at Once, 2024, painted and powder-coated aluminum, The Elizabeth Jennings School for Bold Explorers, Brooklyn

Everything at Once is a site-specific artwork created by Wendy Letven for the lobby ceiling of the new Elizabeth Jennings School for Bold Explorers, Brooklyn. Bold, brightly painted shapes made from cut aluminum are curved and layered to create an exuberant burst of color that stretches over 12 feet long. The artwork can be seen from the sidewalk as students and passersby approach the school entrance, and it greets everyone when they first enter the building. The gymnatorium, one floor below the lobby, also offers a particularly unique viewing experience. From each angle, the undulating shapes look different, encouraging people to walk around, experience its many vantage points and notice how the patterns, colors, lines, and shadows change. 

Letven’s design was inspired by the many patterns found in both our natural and built environments. It incorporates forms that can be observed in nature, such as tree branches, Fibonacci spirals, and ocean waves, as well as scientific elements, such as molecular structures and topographical maps. The sculpture also celebrates the beauty of the man-made with references to the architecture of the nearby Barclays Center, artifacts of the Lenape tribe, and the elegant choreography of Alvin Ailey dancers, who perform at the nearby Brooklyn Academy of Music. Everything at Once offers surprising visual combinations that show the joy of discovery and learning across different subjects.