The Source (Patrick Tuttofuoco, 2017)

Identification of The Source by Patrick Tuttofuoco

Created in 2017, The Source is a sculpture by the artist Patrick Tuttofuoco. This work emerged from the artist's ongoing investigation into how human connection is woven into the fabric of our shared environments. It is a piece that seeks to transform the way we perceive the spaces we inhabit daily.

In this work, Tuttofuoco explores the subtle dynamics of urban life. The sculpture functions as an intervention within the public sphere, inviting a quiet dialogue between the viewer and the surrounding landscape. It is an invitation to pause and observe the gestures that define our social interactions.

Physical Composition and Visual Elements

The sculpture presents a deliberate, quiet gesture within the urban landscape. It depicts the artist's hands in the act of miming words, a silent communication that relies on the visual language of movement. This specific sign language is not a standard lexicon but is instead inspired by the gestures and nuances found within youth subcultures. There is a certain intimacy in this choice, as it translates a fleeting, social vernacular into a permanent, physical form.

The work utilizes a combination of industrial materials to achieve its presence. A coated steel structure provides the necessary framework for the composition, supporting the weight and form of the hands. Integrated into this metalwork is a neon tube, which introduces a specific quality of light to the piece. This interplay between the solid, opaque steel and the luminous, glowing neon creates a dialogue between the physical presence of the gesture and the ephemeral nature of the words being signaled.

Materials and Technical Specifications

The physical presence of this work is defined by a structured interplay between industrial materials and light. It is composed of a steel structure that has been coated, paired with neon tubes that trace the artist's gestural movements. This combination of metal and gas creates a specific tension between the permanence of the frame and the ephemeral quality of the illumination.

In terms of scale, the piece occupies a significant volume within its environment. It measures 268 x 315 cm, which translates to approximately 15.75 inches by 126 inches by 106.3 inches. These dimensions allow the sculpture to command the space it inhabits, asserting its presence through its physical reach and the way the neon light interacts with the surrounding atmosphere.

Exhibition History and Locations

The presence of this work has been felt across several significant urban sites within London. It has occupied space at 99 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3XD, and has been situated at Leadenhall Market, London EC3V 1LT. These placements allow the sculpture to interact directly with the movement of the city, becoming a quiet part of the local landscape.

Beyond these London locations, the piece has been featured at 1 Undershaft, London EC3A 6HX. Its reach extends further into Italy, where the work was loaned to OGR Torino. Through these various settings, the installation maintains a dialogue with the public spaces it inhabits.