Colossus is a thing from dreams and nightmares; massive stones flying above your head plus energy and mass in motion will disturb your psyche. Three large boulders, to each of which is attached a short piece of rope, are suspended from steel arms attached to a central column. Three 20' long spikes are attached to the boulder arms and move up or down as the boulders are spun by participants. The spikes act as the "crown" of the Colossus, which is inspired by the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the world, a large sculpture which greeted visitors coming into the port of the ancient city of Rhodes. As the boulders are spun and as they increase in speed, the rocks move outward from centrifugal force. They are connected by a set of lever arms to the crown of spikes. As the rocks move out, the spikes move downwards. When the spikes are in full upright position, the height will be close to 50 feet, and the total weight of the piece, spinning, will be around 45-50,000 pounds.
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Colossus, by Zachary Coffin

Photo by: Mark Hammon

Year: 2005

Image Caption: 

Colossus is a thing from dreams and nightmares; massive stones flying above your head plus energy and mass in motion will disturb your psyche. Three large boulders, to each of which is attached a short piece of rope, are suspended from steel arms attached to a central column. Three 20' long spikes are attached to the boulder arms and move up or down as the boulders are spun by participants. The spikes act as the "crown" of the Colossus, which is inspired by the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the world, a large sculpture which greeted visitors coming into the port of the ancient city of Rhodes. As the boulders are spun and as they increase in speed, the rocks move outward from centrifugal force. They are connected by a set of lever arms to the crown of spikes. As the rocks move out, the spikes move downwards. When the spikes are in full upright position, the height will be close to 50 feet, and the total weight of the piece, spinning, will be around 45-50,000 pounds.

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