The Elliptical Switchback
Artwork in Haggerston Station, London Overground.
A panel adjacent to the work describes it as follows:
The Elliptical Switchback (2010) is by artist Tod Hanson. It takes its inspiration from the work of former Haggerston resident Edmond Halley, the 17th century astronomer. Best known for predicting the return of the eponymous comet, Halley also made extensive studies to explain Earth's magnetic anomalies. One theory held that the Earth was in fact hollow and composed of further concentric rotating spheres, each with their own atmosphere and magnetic pole.
Hanson's design creates a series of 'worlds within worlds' through a clever use of trompe l'oeil. The compass needle recalls the north/south orientation of the station's track and the elliptical orbit of Halley's comet acts to unify and animate the artwork.
The Elliptical Switchback
Artwork in Haggerston Station, London Overground.
A panel adjacent to the work describes it as follows:
The Elliptical Switchback (2010) is by artist Tod Hanson. It takes its inspiration from the work of former Haggerston resident Edmond Halley, the 17th century astronomer. Best known for predicting the return of the eponymous comet, Halley also made extensive studies to explain Earth's magnetic anomalies. One theory held that the Earth was in fact hollow and composed of further concentric rotating spheres, each with their own atmosphere and magnetic pole.
Hanson's design creates a series of 'worlds within worlds' through a clever use of trompe l'oeil. The compass needle recalls the north/south orientation of the station's track and the elliptical orbit of Halley's comet acts to unify and animate the artwork.