In the time since our first article about Approaching Red, artist Maha Mustafa's sweeping two-piece metal sculpture coated in a sexy red finish, the work has arrived from fabricator Feature Walters to its permanent home in the midst of a sleet storm, and has become the latest addition to Concord CityPlace's increasingly impressive collection of public art.

Approaching Red, being lifted, image by Karen Mills

Approaching Red, mid-installation, image by Karen Mills

Approaching Red, being secured, image by Ben Mills

Approaching Red, piece two ready, image by Karen Mills

Approaching Red, mid-installation, image by Karen Mills

Now safely bolted in and secured behind temporary fences, paving work remains for the area around the base of the pieces to complete the installation. Once finished, the public will be able to move through and around the work in the heart of the piazza between the towers of the Parade condominium complex at CityPlace. Approaching Red is finished in a durable, baked PPG surface normally used on buses and trucks. Uplights set in the pavement will bounce off the work by night.

Approaching Red, sleeting storm, image by Hawc

Gabriel Leung of Concord Adex told us that now that Approaching Red is in place, the landscape plan in the piazza will be completed, and an adjacent pair of lines of bamboo poles may be tweaked in deference to the engaging sculpture.

Approaching Red, awaiting attention, image by rdaner

Approaching Red, awaiting attention, image by rdaner

Approaching Red is located close to Francisco Gazitua's Puente de Luz, the yellow pedestrian bridge which connects Concord CityPlace and the neighbourhoods to the north. Look for links to Puente de Luz stories at the bottom of this article.

Approaching Red, awaiting attention, image by rdaner


The piazza between the towers will be transformed as the weather improves this year. With the east side of Parade occupied and the west side completing now, the area's new population is set to benefit when new restaurants with canopied patios open this spring and summer. Trees and other landscaping features are also set to arrive soon. Half a year from now the feel in this pedestrian precinct should be markedly inviting.

Approaching Red, awaiting attention, image by rdaner

We will be back for the official dedication later this spring to let you know when Approaching Red is ready to be approached!

Related Companies:  Walters Group