GLOBAL ARTIST OYORAM UNVEILS "TIMEPIECE" -- A DYNAMIC 3D LED INSTALLATION IN DOWNTOWN DES MOINES
At the top of each hour, a digital mechanical arm springs to life in a captivating visual event, removing and replacing a clock face in a mesmerizing display. Blending art and technology, "TimePiece" becomes a vibrant, ever-changing centerpiece. The installation is located on The Fitch Building, facing the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
"With TimePiece, I wanted to take the traditional element of telling time and reimagine it as a moment of visual surprise. Using light, movement and depth, the work becomes part of the city's rhythm," said Oyoram. "It's not just about what you see, but how it makes you feel in the moment."
"This is more than a public art piece, it's a reflection of the creative energy that defines our region," said Renae Mauk, Vice President of Downtown Development of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. "Partnering with an artist whose work spans the globe inspires new possibilities for public art in DSM. Oyoram brings international perspective with a deep commitment to Downtown DSM and Greater Des Moines community."
The artist and filmmaker behind this visionary project, Oyoram, is based in Des Moines' Historic Sherman Hill neighborhood and maintains a working studio in Paris. With the addition of a gallery for immersive art installations under construction, he hopes to create a bridge between visual artists in the two cities. Known for replacing conventional media screens with sculptural, immersive visuals, his work has been commissioned by global brands including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Sony, Louis Vuitton and Dior. Since 2007, he has created monumental moving images known as "Moving Fresques" and "Moving Fresco." Recent international projects include installations for Cheval Blanc Spa in Paris and Tiffany & Co.'s Landmark store in New York City. Locally, his work includes Mental Banquet: Painting with Lights (2018), 7even Stories High: Immersive Elevator (2022), and the visual design for the Des Moines Metro Opera's Bluebeard's Castle (2023).
"Bringing this piece to fruition has been a journey marked by years of planning and meaningful financial investment, reflecting our unwavering belief in the power of art. TimePiece brings fresh, imaginative energy to our streetscape," Angie Pfannkuch, Operation Downtown Board Chair. "Operation Downtown knows that investing in projects like TimePiece helps to elevate the identity and vision for what is possible when creativity is prioritized in public spaces."
"Prairie Meadows is proud to invest in projects that strengthen and beautify our communities," said Julie Stewart, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Prairie Meadows. "Public art is a powerful example of visionary investment that enhances quality of life, connects people to places and leaves a lasting impact. TimePiece is a dynamic addition that reflects the creativity and ambition of Downtown DSM."
In alignment with the Downtown DSM: Future Forward Vision Plan and Action Plan, TimePiece exemplifies a commitment to inclusive, innovative art that resonates both locally and globally, strengthening the region. The installation was made possible by Operation Downtown, Prairie Meadows, Bravo Greater Des Moines, MidAmerican Energy Foundation, Downtown DSM, Inc., the Greater Des Moines Partnership and private donors, as well as in-kind contributions from Substance Architecture, Christensen Development and artist Oyoram.
See images of "TimePiece" here.
About Operation Downtown
Created to help make Downtown Des Moines (DSM) a safer, cleaner place to work, live and visit, Operation Downtown is classified as a Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID). The mission is keeping Downtown DSM safe, clean, welcoming and vibrant, in support of a positive experience. Programs include trash cleanup, flower planting and visitor assistance. Operation Downtown, a 501(c)6, was formed in 1998 by business leaders to provide enhanced services that are not provided by the City of Des Moines. Today, the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Operation Downtown help to keep DSM among the highest-rated, most vibrant regions in the country. Learn more at operationdowntown.com.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves 12 counties in Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa: Adair, Clarke, Dallas, Guthrie, Jasper, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek and Warren. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Business Members, The Partnership drives economic growth and talent development to advance quality of life in DSM with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.
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