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Seattle, Washington / Public art

Wake

A monolithic weathering steel sculpture by Richard Serra, consisting of ten towering plates that form a rhythmic S-curve to challenge your perception of space and movement.

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Wake
www.seattleartmuseum.org, og_image_www.seattleartmuseum.org

What is Wake?

Wake is a 2004 monolithic sculpture by Richard Serra made of acid-washed, weather-proof steel. It consists of ten 14-foot tall plates arranged in an S pattern to form a wake, designed to force visitors to confront their relationship with space.

Where is Wake located?

It is located in the Olympic Sculpture Park at 2901 Western Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121.

Is it free to visit?

Yes, admission to the Olympic Sculpture Park is free.

What are the hours?

The park is open 365 days a year, opening 30 minutes before sunrise and closing 30 minutes after sunset.

What is it known for?

Wake is known for its industrial nature and its use of computer imaging and ship-hull design machines in its creation. It was also the first piece installed in the Olympic Sculpture Park in July 2006.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Wake is a massive 2004 weathering steel sculpture created by the renowned artist Richard Serra. Installed in July 2006, it holds the distinction of being the first piece placed within the Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle. The work is designed to force visitors to confront their physical relationship with space, transforming a simple walk into a conscious experience of scale and geometry. The structure is composed of ten acid-washed, weather-proof steel plates, each standing 14 feet tall. These plates are meticulously arranged in an S pattern, which visually mimics the wake left by a ship moving through water. This industrial aesthetic is reinforced by the materials used, which are designed to weather naturally over time. To achieve these precise, monolithic forms, Richard Serra utilized advanced technology, including computer imaging and specialized machines typically used for designing ship hulls. This intersection of maritime engineering and fine art anchors the piece to its waterfront setting, where it stands as a sentinel among other monumental works. Located at 2901 Western Avenue, the sculpture sits down a short embankment. As you move through the curving plates, the shifting perspectives emphasize the industrial nature of the steel against the open backdrop of the city's waterfront.

Visitor tips

  • The park is free and open 365 days a year, from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
  • Personal photography is permitted, making this a great spot for architectural photos, though commercial filming is prohibited.
  • If visiting between Memorial Day and Labor Day, check out the MARKET at the Park on Fridays through Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm.

Nearby context

Wake is a centerpiece of the Olympic Sculpture Park, a nine-acre waterfront collection overlooking the Salish Sea. The park is positioned one mile north of the main Seattle Art Museum and features other monumental artworks and the PACCAR Pavilion.

Sources

Evidence and links