SYNERGY

"The art is integral to the building, with most works commissioned for the site and designed to engage multiple senses. A wide range of art experiences appeals to the interests of diverse patients and visitors and is accessible to people of all abilities, including those with low vision."

- UPMC Mercy Pavilion

Synergy, features two intersecting ovals crafted from an acrylic composite material and dichroic elements that simulate rods and cones within the retina. The piece is designed to evoke the dynamic interplay of light, with refracted colors shifting based on the viewer's perspective, much like the natural phenomena of the aurora borealis. This work is an exploration of how material phenomena and suggestive movement can influence our perception of natural patterns and forces, offering a meditative yet stimulating experience for diverse audiences, including families in distress and medical staff.

The conceptual framework of Synergy draws heavily on Katayama's interest in semiotics and the use of motif shapes, such as the Venn diagram, to convey multiple layers of meaning. The overlapping ovals not only resemble the shape of the eyes and the optic chiasm, a critical juncture in the visual system, but also symbolize the convergence of diverse communities and disciplines that define the UPMC Mercy Pavilion. This intersection of art, science, and community underscores the transformative potential of integrated, multidisciplinary approaches in creating spaces that are both healing and reflective of the complex, interconnected nature of human experience.

Katayama's work with the UPMC Mercy Pavilion involved close collaboration with UPMC staff to understand the specialized needs of patients and caregivers, as well as the scientific expertise of healthcare providers. Through independent research and active engagement with experts such as Dr. Jose Sahel, Dr. Gwen Sowa, Julie Hecker, Sabreena Miller, and the design firm HOK, Katayama explored the role of art within vision systems and healthcare environments.

Material: LED, collimating lens, HIMACS Solid Surface Material, dichroic acrylic, rasberry pi.

Location: UPMC Mercy Pavilion L3

Fabricators: Iontank

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