If you walk into the atrium at Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Main Library right now, you might feel the sudden urge to move… very carefully.
That’s because thousands of colorful plastic cups are somehow stacked into a gravity-defying sculpture that looks like it could topple if you so much as sneeze too aggressively. The installation is the work of Elijah Farrales, a Midwest artist who has spent more than 15 years turning everyday cups into massive, mesmerizing works of art.
Farrales builds his sculptures in the moment, letting patterns and repetition guide the process.
The result is something a little different for everyone who sees it. Some visitors swear it looks like a city skyline. Others see castles or even a mountain range. According to Farrales, all of those interpretations are fair game.
Part of the fun here is that it’s not just something you look at and walk away from. There are hands-on workshops where visitors can learn the art of cup stacking and even try building something of their own using Farrales’ collection. It’s a rare chance to go from spectator to participant without needing any special skills beyond a steady hand and maybe a little patience.
And then, just as quickly as it appeared, it’s all coming down.
On April 25, the installation will meet its dramatic end during a planned knockdown event, where the community is invited to help send the sculpture crashing in the most satisfying way possible.
If you’d like to be there in person when it all comes crashing down, you’ll want to be in the atrium at the Main Library by 2:30 p.m. on Saturday! You can get more info to plan your visit here.
