THE HESUTIN WATERFALL

Date: 2017

Media: Unique cast bronze, concrete stain

Dimensions:  15’ x 10’ x 15" 

Commissioned by: Washington State University

In collaboration with: GGLO Architecture, Seattle

The Hesutin Waterfall greets visitors to the main entrance of the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center. GGLO Architects in Seattle designed the extraordinary building, which was constructed at the main entrance to the Washington State University campus in Pullman. The installation draws attention to the difficult legacy of land appropriation from native populations. The large black circle on the wall represents the original amount of territory controlled by the Nez Perce in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. The round opening in the wall above the water feature represents the land promised in the Treaty of 1855. The 6” circle at the top of the water feature represents the greatly reduced amount of land the tribe received in the subsequent Treaty of 1863.

The water feature is comprised of dozens of unique bronze castings, welded and fitted together to form a 100” tall watercourse, flanked by bronze ‘basalt’ columns, and scaled by five endangered Lamprey fish. A coordinating unique cast bronze grating was created by the artists for the base of the water feature.