Publication Date: Wednesday, August 25, 2004
'DNA' sculpture reborn
'DNA' sculpture reborn
(August 25, 2004) Showdown set for fall over dueling visions for Lytton Plaza; egg at center of controversy
by Bill D'Agostino
A DNA-themed artwork is being reborn in Palo Alto, and so is a political battle between city art lovers and a local real estate developer about the artwork's planned future home.
Last week, the city's Public Art Commission instructed artist Adriana Varella to rebuild "Digital DNA," a seven-foot-tall, egg-shaped sculpture made from recycled circuit boards. The piece, intended for Lytton Plaza, had been destroyed in May in a warehouse fire.
The morning after the commission voted, Varella was enthusiastic and said she hoped to complete the project in four to five months. But it may not be identical to the former piece.
"I'm open to the process," she said referring to the artistic method for creating the new work.
The city's insurance will pay the $10,000 for Varella's work, with the exception of a $2,500 deductible, which the city will fork over, Art Center Director Linda Craighead said.
Commissioners and Varella insist "Digital DNA" be installed in Lytton Plaza, on University Avenue -- a point they felt necessary to underscore since city officials are entertaining a private plan to completely rebuild the publicly-owned plaza that could exclude Varella's work.
Former mayor Le Levy and real estate developer Roxy Rapp have been meeting privately with City Council members and top city administrators about their proposal to revamp the plaza.
In the fall, the City Council is scheduled to preliminarily examine -- and possibly approve -- a partnership with the duo.
"The problem is the plaza, as it is, is a sterile place," Levy said. "It's not used very much."
Their proposal would cost approximately $500,000, with half coming from private funds and the other half coming from the city. It would include a fountain, new shrubbery and seating. They expect art to be a part of the rebuild, but possibly not Varella's work.
"I don't know if that particular piece of art will be appropriate in Lytton Plaza as redesigned," Levy said.
Art commissioners have been extremely wary of the new plan.
"It's very stealth-like," Commissioner Gerald Brett said. "It is, to put it mildly, disturbing."
Community Services Director Richard James indicated at the commission meeting that he was also being kept out of the loop on Rapp's and Levy's proposal. But he said afterward that he doubted the project would move forward.
"I don't think there's the money," he said.
Some council members were enthusiastic, though, setting the stage for a showdown in the fall.
"Lytton Plaza is a mess," Councilwoman Dena Mossar said. Since businessmen are offering private money to help rebuild the public facility, "I'm interested in pursing it."
Staff Writer Bill D'Agostino can be e-mailed at bdagostino@paweekly.com.
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