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Metropolis by Seymour Fogel
Photo CreditCarol M. Highsmith Photography
Metropolis
Photo CreditCarol M. Highsmith Photography

Metropolis

Artist
Year1967
Classification architectural arts
Medium glass mosaic
Dimensions144 x 886 in. (365.8 x 2250.4 cm)
Credits Commissioned through the Fine Arts in New Federal Buildings Program
Fine Arts Collection
U.S. General Services Administration
Location
CollectionArt in Federal Courthouses
  • In his design of Metropolis, Seymour Fogel chose a series of abstract forms, shapes and patterns to depict the vibrant urban landscape of New York City. Fogel concluded that representational objects or people were inappropriate since the mural would be viewed from great distances. Instead, Metropolis allows the viewer to experience the city from overhead as a static grid construction while retaining the sense of a fast paced environment. Fogel described the content of the mural as a visual interpretation of the “the dynamic character and quality of the world we move about in, including the forms and patterns of streets, intersections, buildings and general geometric character of an urban metropolis."