Resilience

About This Project

Resilience — Norfolk, VA — 2024

Resilience is a large-scale public sculpture and immersive gateway located at the entrance to Five Points Park in Norfolk, Virginia. Commissioned by the Norfolk Arts Commission, this site-specific public artwork serves as both a sculptural landmark and a place for community connection.

Composed of 23 individual blades of grass rising and converging into a unified circular form, the sculpture transforms a familiar natural element into an expansive expression of strength and interdependence. Each blade is distinct, yet structurally bound to the others—creating a dynamic shape that feels both organic and engineered. Drawing inspiration from the resilience of natural systems, the work reflects how grass bends under pressure rather than breaking. Scaled to the size of civic architecture, this simple gesture becomes a powerful metaphor: a community made stronger through connection, support, and shared purpose.

At 22 feet in diameter, the sculpture creates an enclosed yet open environment—inviting visitors to gather within, move around, and experience the work as both structure and space. Its sweeping elements frame the sky above while anchoring the park below, offering a place for reflection, interaction, and collective presence. Developed in close collaboration with city partners and engineers, Resilience is integrated into the landscape of Five Points Park, aligning with the broader vision for the site as a revitalized civic space.

Fabricated by Engineered Artworks and installed with support from Artifact Logistics, the project reflects Orlando’s approach to public art and large-scale sculpture—creating environments that bring together nature, engineering, and community experience.

Materials: Steel, weather-resistant coating, concrete foundation
Dimensions: 22′ x 22′ x 13′
Commissioned by: Norfolk Arts Commission
Lead Artist: Sean Orlando
Fabrication: Engineered Artworks
Transport & Installation: Artifact Logistics