Artist Designs Long Beach Courthouse Entrance Using GKD Mediamesh

April 10, 2014

Project: Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse

Location: Long Beach, California

Architect: AECOM

Artist: Jennifer Steinkamp

Contractor: Clark Construction Group

Completion Date: 2013

GKD Metal Fabrics Product: Mediamesh®V4xH5.0 & Tigris

When Jennifer Steinkamp was tasked with designing the frieze in the entrance of the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse in Long Beach, California, she was able to realize her design goals through the use of GKD Mediamesh. The Mediamesh frieze – titled Murmuration – celebrates the ostrich feather and its connection to the Egyptian goddess of justice, Ma’at. With GKD Tigris already chosen for the court house atrium, Steinkamp felt it the perfect opportunity to incorporate Mediamesh.

In Murmuration, ostrich feathers stand as emblems of truth and justice, with colorful feathers flowing like birds within the electronic display. The frieze was meant to inspire atmospheric lightness through transparency, another benefit of GKD metal fabrics.

“I’ve always wanted to work with GKD Mediamesh,” said Jennifer Steinkamp. “The product has such magical properties and I’m thrilled with how the project turned out. My goal was to inspire people as they entered the court house and with the LEDs and metal fabric I was able to achieve this.”

Jennifer Steinkamp is an American new media artist and UCLA professor. She has exhibited at the Getty Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art LA, and the 11th International Cairo Biennale. Steinkamp is represented by ACME, greengrassi and the Lehmann Maupin Gallery.

Murmuration is a permanent exhibition. This three dimensional display using GKD Mediamesh has expanded the possibilities of a typical frieze upon entering a courtroom.