Inhale… Exhale…

Constructed from mirrored stainless steel that is backlit by LED bulbs, the nearly 5-foot-high letters are visible from sunset to sunrise. The time- and light-based installation on the roof of the Mainframe Studios building in Des Moines lights up and dims, as if it is taking a deep meditating breath.

Mainframe Studios is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. They provide affordable workspaces to advance equity and opportunity in the arts. The original building was constructed in 1978, designed by Des Moines architect, Charles “Chick” Herbert. Herbert was also the architect of the Des Moines Civic Center. After an extensive renovation, Mainframe opened its first floor of studios in 2017. Today, the building supports over 220 artists across 30+ artistic disciplines. The Mainframe Studio building stands out among the Des Moines skyline, noticeable for its colorful geometric exterior. Artist Molly Spain imagined the mural, Critical Mass, which covers the entire building, nearly 40,000 square feet.

The artist, Jordan Weber, is a Des Moines-born, New York-based artist who works at the cross-section of social justice and the environment. Weber chose to orient this installation northwest, towards Oakridge Neighborhood, with the words inhale and exhale serving as a reminder that maintaining meditative breath can be healing, especially when facing challenges. Oakridge is a low-income housing organization that serves many children, immigrants, and refugees from over 23 countries.

Click here to read the press release on the dedication ceremony of this installation.