Last week, the Hadar Metal Design crew installed the finished steel trees at the Inter-Continental Hotel. Over the course of a day, fifty some-odd, foam-wrapped pieces were trucked from the Hadar studio to 44th st., hauled into the hotel’s courtyard, and reassembled into six complete trees. The branches were attached with both epoxy and set screws, and the base of each section was bolted to the cement platform on which the sculpture stands. All in all, the process was smooth as silk–somewhat surprising for an installation of size–and everyone was left pleased. However, the display has a ways to go. Between now and the grand opening in mid-July, the trees will be embellished with a base of real grass and encompassed by a reflective pool and submerged spotlights. All this will be set against a wall of semi-transparent, crimson lucite. Incomplete and amidst construction, the glimmering grove already looks stunning. Just wait until it’s done!
