Installing Jill O’Bryan’s one billion breaths in a lifetime (2015). All photos: Amy Wike
You might notice something new the next time you pass the corner of 21st and Q Streets NW. Installation of artist Jill O’Bryan‘s one billion breaths in a lifetime was completed earlier this week. The text of the 16-foot-wide chrome sculpture is a calculation the artist made while creating a series of drawings recording her own breaths to capture time; it takes approximately 97 years to breath one billion breaths.
Tools of the installation trade.
Trimming the supports to the correct height.
Installing Jill O’Bryan’s one billion breaths in a lifetime.
Artist Jill O’Bryan assessing placement of her work.
(left) Senior Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Vesela Sretenovic and artist Jill O’Bryan discuss the work as it’s installed (right) one billion breaths in a lifetime is prepped for final placement.
The installations team makes sure the work is level before securing the piece at the corner of 21st and Q NW.
Artist Jill O’Bryan looks on as her piece is installed.