About Red Zig Zag
Red Zig Zag—“a fence around nothing”—began as a digital concept, making its twisting geometry visible from every angle. Now rendered in stainless steel and painted Calder red, it stands fourteen feet tall (seventeen with its pedestal) and draws inspiration from Koos Verhoeff’s forms and Brancusi’s Endless Column. By questioning what’s fenced in—or out—Red Zig Zag underscores how shifts in perspective can change our experience, both in art and in life. The following images offer a glimpse of its journey from design to reality.
Design Proposal Rendering
This design rendering provides a first glimpse of Red Zig Zag before it came to life. By clicking the image, viewers can watch a short video that showcases the sculpture’s 360° form—an essential look at how the twisting geometry was initially envisioned. Much like the completed piece, the proposal highlights the importance of perspectives and symmetry, allowing us to appreciate Red Zig Zag from multiple viewpoints before construction even began.
Taking Shape
Stainless steel sections being formed and assembled into the Zig Zag structure. The raw geometry begins to emerge.
Fully Assembled
Now fully welded, the Zig Zag form stands complete. The raw stainless steel shows its sharp geometry and precise craftsmanship. Polishing, painting, and final detailing will soon turn it into the Red Zig Zag.
Paint Booth Prep
Inside the paint booth, Red Zig Zag is primed for its Calder red finish. The surface is prepared with care to highlight its bold geometry.
Final Coat of “Calder Red”
Red Zig Zag, now painted in Calder red, laying in the paint booth with its bold form fully revealed.
Installation Day
Red Zig Zag is lifted into place at the corner of Grace and Duke Street, across from the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, Virginia. The crane reveals its zigzag form against the city skyline.
Installed & Ready to Inspire
Across from the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, Virginia, Red Zig Zag – a fence around nothing – stands in Calder red. It rises fourteen feet above the sidewalk, seventeen on its pedestal.
A Nod to Brancusi’s Endless Column
Seen from this close-up angle against the sky, Red Zig Zag evokes the rhythmic repetition and upward thrust of Brancusi’s Endless Column.
Nighttime Glow
At night, Red Zig Zag reflects light off its glossy surface. Its geometry stands out in shadow and silhouette against the building wall.