Layers of Time
Concrete, inlaid brass, resin, granite
30’ x 55’ x 4’
2022
This splash pad is an artistic interpretation of the geologic events that shaped Salem Harbor and the North Shore of Massachusetts. The three layers of the splash pad represent different periods of time that occurred over millions of years.
Inspired by this deep time perspective dating back to Pangea, “Layers of Time” gives insight into our interconnected history. The local Avalonian bedrock was once a piece of North Africa that collided with North America around 500 million years ago. As Avalon rifted, the volcanic activity that followed produced the rocks we see in Forest River Park today. The lowest level of the splash pad represents these rocks, called Salem gabbro-diorite. The second level shows Avalon rifting and separating, as gabbro-diorite emerges below through magmatic activity. The top level of the splash pad represents the glacial stage, occurring from 2.5million to 10,000 years ago. The artists hope to draw a connection to our current climate, bringing awareness to rapid glacial melt and rising sea levels. The splash pad uses geology to encourage a non-anthropocentric view of our planet, while guiding us to recognize our shared common ground. Follow the rivers of brass magma, fossilized plants and creatures to discover your own journey across time.
This splash pad was created by multimedia artists Louis Chinn and Huameng Yu and is an artistic interpretation of the geologic events that shaped Salem Harbor and the North Shore of Massachusetts. The three layers of the splash pad represent different periods of time that occurred over millions of years.
Inspired by this deep time perspective dating back to Pangea, “Layers of Time” gives insight into our interconnected history. The local Avalonian bedrock was once a piece of North Africa that collided with North America around 500 million years ago. As Avalon rifted, the volcanic activity that followed produced the rocks we see in Forest River Park today. The lowest level of the splash pad represents these rocks, called Salem gabbro-diorite. The second level shows Avalon rifting and separating, as gabbro-diorite emerges below through magmatic activity. The top level of the splash pad represents the glacial stage, occurring from 2.5million to 10,000 years ago. The artists hope to draw a connection to our current climate, bringing awareness to rapid glacial melt and rising sea levels. The splash pad uses geology to encourage a non-anthropocentric view of our planet, while guiding us to recognize our shared common ground.
“Layers of Time” was created with sculptural and decorative concrete, inlaid brass, resin and granite blocks donated by the City of Salem. Follow the rivers of brass magma, fossilized plants and creatures to discover your own journey across time.
Special thanks to Touisett Custom Concrete; City of Salem Department of Public Services Crew; Jenna Ide, City of Salem Director of Capital Projects; & Salem Public Art Commission.