Combining function and message in art

This article from Seattle Times shows a range of public art from many artists at the Waterfront Park. These pieces include a variety of sculptures with playful structures. These works are important to the park as they encompass artistic traditions from local Native American tribes. The artworks from this article can set an example of designs that share messages towards visitors in parks. 

Here is an excerpt from the article about the artworks:

“Waterfront Park, reimagined after the Alaskan Way Viaduct’s removal in 2019, has some pretty spectacular new public art — along with a couple of restored old favorites. The works by more than a dozen artists encompass artistic traditions from local Native American tribes, graceful steel sculptures, playful takes on utilitarian coastal protection structures and much more” (Colemans, 2025).

“‘The artworks for the waterfront reflect some aspect of the site — whether it is its environment and ecology, its Indigenous community or its cultural history,’ said Ruri Yampolsky” (Colemans, 2025).

Here’s an excerpt that describes a specific artwork in the park:

“Simpson’s user-friendly installation consists of 14 ‘Anthropomorphic Dolosse’ and 15 ‘SeaBearers.’ The concrete ‘dolosse’ (plural for dolos) take inspiration from the three-pronged, wave-dissipating concrete units that are used around the world to mitigate coastal erosion. Keeping climate change in mind, Simpson reimagined them with anthropomorphic (humanlike) characteristics and offers them as seating for current visitors and portable structures to be used for future ecological or civic needs. The curving row of sandbag-like concrete ‘SeaBearers’ also serves as seating and, potentially, as movable sea barriers” (Colemans, 2025).

Simpson’s work is a row of concrete seating with a form that represents the concrete units used to mitigate coastal erosion. He took great consideration with his design to represent a concept of climate change. Simpson’s work takes into account both functionality as well as conveying a message about climate change. The little details such as the form and material works well to convey his message. As a designer, making the little details harmonize to create both function and meaning is very inspiring. 

References.

Clemans, G. (2025). Seattle’s Waterfront Park art includes spectacular new works. The Seattle Times. https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/visual-arts/seattles-waterfront-park-art-includes-spectacular-new-works/ 

Freeman Jr., J. (2023). “Migration Stage” by Buster Simpson https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/visual-arts/seattles-waterfront-park-art-includes-spectacular-new-works/ 

Lambert, K. (2023). “Migration Stage” by Buster Simpson https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/visual-arts/seattles-waterfront-park-art-includes-spectacular-new-works/