James M Harrison

Art & Design Studio

Aiorema- a sculptural marquee

for Portland Center Stage

 'Aiorema' is the Greek word for what is known in Latin as Deus Ex Machina, or 'God in the Machine'. Originally this was a more literal concept- a crane used in ancient greek theater for flying in the gods. I thought this was an appropriate way to link old and new. New Theater, Old Concept- Old Building, New Marquee, etc.

The sculpture is made out of a light diffusing acrylic- stacked for a total of 415 layers of 1/2” thick material. The piece measures 17’ 3.5” in height.

Aiorema is shaped like a cloud at the base, and shaped like a star against the sky. The layers gradually transition from the one shape to the other shape.

The sculpture is ‘post-tensioned’ on three stainless steel threaded rods, which connect it to the footing.