Artist Jorg Dubin’s “Mercury Falling” makes a splash mixing beauty and intent as liquid mercury spills from rooftop to ground
In the heart of Irvine, Calif. on the southwest corner of Main and Jamboree, a dramatic sculpture recently affixed to the corner of the Skyloft Apartments, has added high impact and social consciousness to the skyline.
In 2017, the noted Laguna Beach-based artist Jorg Dubin was asked by Sanderson J. Ray Development, the managing owner of the Skyloft Apartments, to imagine a concept for a large-scale sculpture for a new residential complex in the heart of Irvine.
Fabricated from 316L mirror-polished stainless steel, the 60-foot-tall sculpture by Dubin titled “Mercury Falling” depicts pooling liquid mercury spilling from the roof of the building to the ground in a dynamic splash.
“As the building architecture is quite contemporary and hard-edged, the need for something more organic that would act as a foil against the angular building and bring some needed softness as it reflected nature and the surrounding sky,” said Dubin. “Mercury Falling was a result of many design iterations. It is also a metaphor for the hope that humans will act on climate change so that the ‘mercury’ or temperatures will ‘fall.’”
“Mercury Falling” as it is installed (Courtesy of Jorg Dubin)
Located at 2700 Main Street, just steps from Irvine’s Business Center, Skyloft is a six-story luxury apartment community that opened in fall 2019 featuring 388 studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom luxury apartments. Skyloft was built by Streetlights Residential, designed by Architects Orange, and is professionally managed by Legacy Partners. The community’s signature design was imagined by renowned celebrity interior designer Thomas Schoos, along with lush landscaping by Mark Schattinger of MJS Design Group. The marquee sculpture is a landmark additive to the architecture — while the artist also provides an environmental message.
“Mercury Falling” at Skyloft Apartments (Courtesy of Jorg Dubin)
“Skyloft makes a bold statement for its design, both inside and out, and Dubin’s masterpiece is both striking and thought-provoking,” said Dawn Mills, regional manager at Legacy. “Skyloft offers the ultimate contemporary coastal living experience in Orange County and is now adorned with a sculpture that makes a contemporary environmental statement very relevant to life in Southern California.”
The Skyloft Apartments offers resort style living for residents, while integrating environmental efficiencies, designer finishes, high-end appliances, and the latest in smart-home technology. Residential amenities at Skyloft include a rooftop beach lagoon with jacuzzi and poolside sky lounge with a full-service bar, zero-edge ground floor lap pool and jacuzzi; rock-climbing wall; state-of-the-art golf simulator; electric vehicle charging stations; pet spa; and a “Tot Lot” play center for children. Skyloft is also surrounded by outdoor adventures, nationally acclaimed schools, best-in-class dining, and refined shopping. The community has near-instant access to the 405, 5, and 55 freeways, as well as to South Coast Plaza, Fashion Island, the Irvine Spectrum Center and the University of California, Irvine.
About Jorg Dubin
Dubin is known for his politically and socially charged paintings that affirm his respect for formal portraiture while commenting on the times in which we live. He strategically deploys references to our contemporary environment within his formally rendered portraits, allowing for a straightforward interpretation of his urgent and timely paintings. Dubin creates tension by juxtaposing expressive, lushly rendered figures while bringing awareness to social inequality, political unrest, and the climate crisis. Based in nearby Laguna Beach, Dubin has had an extensive career working within painting, sculpture, ceramics, and design for more than forty years. He studied painting at the Art Institute of Southern California with Stephen Douglas, and sculpture and design with Kris Cox and Richard White. Dubin has also been the art director and production designer on seven films for O Entertainment. He currently maintains a painting and sculpture studio in Laguna Beach. For more information, see www.jorgdubin.com
About Sanderson J. Ray Development (SJRD)
SJRD is an Irvine-based commercial developer with a 40-year track record and an impeccable reputation for successfully executing commercial projects that incorporate public art.
