On Nov. 8, 2024, world-renowned artist and NASA engineer Fred Eversley will unveil PORTALS, a groundbreaking public art installation at One Flagler in West Palm Beach. Commissioned by Related Ross and the city, it blends Eversley’s light and space vision with Julian Abele’s architectural legacy.
PORTALS, a grand ensemble of eight 16.5-foot-tall parabolic sculptures, will take its permanent place at the newly established Julian Abele Park, located adjacent to the historic First Church of Christ, Scientist. Designed by Abele, one of America’s foremost African American architects, the church remains a cornerstone of West Palm Beach’s architectural heritage. Abele’s design, completed in 1929, inspires Eversley’s new work, drawing a connection between the city’s storied past and its dynamic future.
The installation is more than just a visual marvel. PORTALS creates an immersive experience that invites contemplation and interaction. The reflective surfaces of the sculptures—crafted from mirror-polished stainless steel—evoke the clean lines and classical geometry of Abele’s original design while offering an abstract interpretation of time and space.
These parabolic forms are not merely sculptures but instruments of reflection, capturing the energy of their surroundings and channeling it into captivating, ever-changing kinetic effects. The installation’s design incorporates elements of the Beaux-Arts and Neo-Classical movements, referencing Abele’s own architectural mastery while aligning with the modernity of architect David Childs’ upcoming One Flagler building, which will soon stand across from the park.
PORTALS unfolds across a grand arc, each sculpture positioned in a precise arrangement to create a cosmic dialogue. From every angle, the viewer encounters a new reflection—whether of themselves, the sky, or the surrounding architecture—creating a mesmerizing visual experience that shifts with the light, weather, and time of day. The sculptures’ kinetic nature makes them appear almost alive, as the interplay of sunlight casts their reflections across the surrounding water, transforming them into a living, breathing sundial of sorts.
As the sun moves throughout the day, each PORTAL comes alive, capturing and distorting the changing light, casting dynamic shadows across the park. From the early morning sun aligning with the easternmost sculptures to the golden-hour light that bathes them in warmth, PORTALS celebrates time’s passage and the eternal beauty of the natural world reflected in the stainless-steel forms.
At the heart of this installation lies an homage to Julian Abele, whose vision shaped not only the First Church of Christ, Scientist but the broader architectural landscape of the city. Eversley’s work is a tribute to Abele’s lasting legacy, offering a contemporary reimagining of his classical ideals while pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. As Eversley notes, PORTALS serves as a "sculptural and architectural trilogy" alongside the church and the forthcoming One Flagler, forming a powerful narrative that spans past, present, and future.
This landmark installation is part of the City of West Palm Beach’s public art initiative, ArtLife WPB, and reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to cultural growth. With its visually striking design and profound historical resonance, PORTALS promises to become an iconic landmark, attracting art enthusiasts and visitors across the region. For more information about Fred Eversley's installation and Related Ross, click here. 180 Lakeview Ave, West Palm Beach
Photography by: Photo courtesy of Related Ross
