Jean-Marie Appriou
Whale Song
Now + There
Central Wharf Park, Boston
September 2024 – Present
Whale Song was created specifically for Central Wharf Park. These three stunning cast aluminum sculptures—Hommage, A Long Journey, and The Gate of the Whales—blend myth and nature, weaving the history and mythology of whales into the fabric of this urban space. The works offer fresh perspectives on humanity’s relationship with nature and serve as a reminder that we share our environment with majestic creatures of all shapes and sizes.
The three sculptures, crafted from molded driftwood and old railroad ties, beautifully highlight the weathered character of the wood, worn by sun and water.
The artworks explored the intriguing contrast between the stationary journey of railroad wood and the dynamic journey of driftwood. While wood naturally grows vertically, its journey here was expressed horizontally, forming the foundation of the sculptures through themes of horizontality and verticality.
Each piece centered on the theme of the whale, presenting the mythological whale, the historical whale, and the future whale. These remarkable sculptures found their home in Central Wharf Park in September, marking a moment of reflection and celebration.
Guest Curator: Pedro Alonzo
Curatorial Assistant: Inés Maldonado Cabañas
Artist info: Jean Marie Appriou
Photo credit: Dominic Chavez