'The Flyway Project' of Robert Wilson

I know that if it's not controversial, then it doesn't have an edge,

and it's not very good art.

~ Artist Robert Wilson

For his commission by the Albuquerque Public Art Urban Enhancement program, Robert Wilson conceived The Flyway Project, which pays homage to both New Mexico's landscape and birds (specifically, the Sandhill cranes that fly over the area each year). Placed in 2011, the installation comprises 96 recycled Jetty Jacks* (16 rows of six) that angle from true north to true south; it is sited just off Coors Boulevard in Albuquerque.

In this interesting 21-minute video, Wilson, who has a medical degree, discusses his inspiration, conception, and construction of the sculpture:

Flight Path: The Flyway Project from Albuquerque Public Art on Vimeo.

Flyway at Museum Without Walls

Open Space Visitor Center: Land Art (You will find still photos of the sculpture at this link.)

Dan Mayfield, "Public Art Draws Fire", ABQJournal, August 8, 2010

Land | Art New Mexico

Land | Art New Mexico Guide (pdf)

* Jetty Jacks are steel beams that once were used to control flooding along the Rio Grande.