City, ATL leaders dedicate art installation ‘Flight Paths’

By Anika Robertson
Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, joined by ATL and other City leaders, on Nov. 9 dedicated “Flight Paths,” the multidimensional, award-winning art installation at the world’s busiest airport.

“Flight Paths,” which simulates a Georgia forest through the fusion of light, sound and video, is the largest single public art project in the City of Atlanta’s history.

“We are so grateful and proud that this creative landscape now enhances Atlanta’s gateway to the world, where we can show it off to the 104 million passengers that come through Hartsfield-Jackson each year,” Reed said.

Artist Steve Waldeck worked for 13 years to bring his concept to life. Located in the underground walkway between Concourses A and B, “Flight Paths” recently won the 2017 CODAaward in the Transportation category.

Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr. said since opening last year, the 450-foot installation has helped enhance the customer experience at Hartsfield-Jackson.

“Under Mayor Reed’s leadership, the City of Atlanta has continually increased its investments in the arts, ensuring that it plays an essential role in defining the cultural life of the city,” Council said.

Airport Art Program Manager David Vogt said his team is used to hearing about the positive impact of ATL’s art, which consists of works from artists in the region and throughout the world.

“Steve Waldeck’s immersive forest canopy installation is certainly one of the Airport’s most popular artworks,” Vogt said. “But it’s also fantastic to be recognized for having one of the most successful public artworks in a transportation environment.”

Mayor Reed added that Hartsfield-Jackson’s art program is essential to maintain Atlanta’s status as the cultural capital of the Southeast.

“Creative art makes a great first impression on visitors to Atlanta and to the world’s busiest airport,” Reed said. “It’s important that our emergence on the global stage be celebrated by art that captures our imagination, and represents our soul, our roots and our ambitions. I am genuinely excited for the millions of people who will experience the beauty and serenity of this immersive artwork as they enter and leave our City.”