The Swallow Nests

Introduction：Basic Information

Artist：Lee, Yi-hsun

Dimensions：length 368cm、width 488cm、height 168cm

Medium：Mosaic Ceramic, RC

Year：2014

Artist's Interpretation

The design idea is inspired by the location of the University, Yan-Chao. The artwork showcases the topographic features and landforms of the Yan-Chao Campus, including the undulating hills, winding streams and bushy woods. It signifies the harmony of the natural and cultural environment, which is embodied by curves of organic shapes. The swallows, along with the combination of real and virtual spaces, suggests the connection between the swallow nests and the location of the University. Swallows, furthermore, are considered symbols of the students. The group of swallows, therefore, also suggests the gathering of elites in the University.

Production Process：

 ↑Steel framework structure

 ↑Steel structure (Swallow)

 ↑Base model shaping

 ↑Base model shaping (Swallow)

 ↑Handcrafted mosaic cutting (Partial view)

 ↑Handcrafted mosaic cutting (Partial view)

 ↑Handcrafted mosaic cutting (Partial view)

 ↑Paper backing (Swallow)

 ↑Mosaic installation (Swallow)

 ↑Grouting work (Swallow)

 ↑Applying adhesive

 ↑Mosaic installation (Upper section)

 ↑Assembling swallow component onto artwork

 ↑Completed mosaic installation (Upper section)

 ↑Mosaic installation (Lower section)

 ↑Adjusting mosaic gaps

 ↑Grouting work (Upper section)

 ↑Grouting work (Lower section)

On-site Installation：

↑Tree transplantation

↑Completed tree transplantation

↑Foundation cutting

↑Foundation excavation

↑Securing base placement with rebar reinforcement

↑Base installation

↑Base grouting

↑On-site artwork installation

↑On-site mosaic touch-ups

↑Cleaning tile surface with sponge

Finished Product：

↑Completed artwork front view

↑Completed artwork left side view

↑Completed artwork right side view

↑Artwork design details

↑Artwork design details

↑Completed artwork and descriptive plaque

↑Descriptive plaque