Lapping at the Peak (2017), Ball Nogues Studio

The Ball Nogues Studio is known for large-scale, ethereal installations, which are inspired by both the surrounding landscape and built environment. An award-winning artist collective, located in Los Angeles, they operate in a territory between architecture, art, and industrial design.  

They have exhibited at major institutions, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; the Museum of Modern Art, New York; the Guggenheim Museum; the Venice Biennale; and the Beijing Biennale.  

Many of Ball Nogues Studio’s pieces, like this one, are site-specific and are constructed out of unorthodox materials. Lapping at the Peak is made entirely out of ball bead chain - a detail you can see more clearly from the second floor of the Ent Center for the Arts.  

This sculpture was created specifically for The Ent Center for the Arts and aims to create and amplify a dialogue with the dynamic architecture of the building. Lapping at the Peak is the only sculpture you will see today that is permanent and not part of GOCA’s AWOL program. As part of the State of Colorado’s 'Art in Public Places’ program, 1% of state funding for the ENT Center for the Arts – about ¼ of the overall building project budget – was allocated for the commission of this artwork, administered by Colorado Creative Industries.  

The selection process included representatives from UCCS faculty, students, staff, and the architect of record. Ball Nogues Studio’s Lapping at the Peak was perceived by the selection panel to be both of this time and timeless - important qualities in permanent sculpture selection. 

Audio by Stephanie von Fange, for the Galleries of Contemporary Art at UCCS, 2021.