Černý in Charlotte

Sitting in a small pool of water at Whitehall Technology Park in Charlotte, N.C., is a 22-foot-tall sculpture called “Metalmorphosis” and installed by Czech artist David Černý in 2007. Its seven segments each independently rotate 360 degrees and, when aligned, form the giant head of a metal man.

Černý has said that the sculpture is a “mental self-portrait.” Compared to some of his other work, “Metalmorphosis” is tame. One of Černý’s other sculptures, in Prague, is a fountain in the shape of two men urinating into a small pool. Another consists of two naked backsides that people can crawl on and through.

Lately, the sculpture’s visitors have reported that the segments no longer rotate and the mouth no longer spits water, but the stationary head is still a sight to behold. If you are in the Charlotte area, consider visiting the Whitehall Corporate Center to see “Metalmorphosis.” Until then, check out the video below to see "Metalmorphosis" in action.

Photo credit: American Asset Corporation