Turning Point

is a 23 foot tall kinetic sculpture, which was built in 2001-2002 as a memorial for the victims of the 9/11/01 world trade center attack, and formally references Constantine Brancussi's "Endless Collumn," in Romania. Alex drilled a hole in the clay exterior before the firing process into ceramics, one for every victim who died. Turning Point weighs roughly 7,200 lbs, and is steel, ceramics, Kevlar reinforcement, and the moving parts are from various manufacturers. It rotates from the top, at a 15 rpm speed, and every section there is a gear reduction of 2-1. The visual effect is euphoric in nature, and when combined with lighting effects, the visual appeal is awe inspiring. At a steep angle, the sculpture seems to go on vertically forever.