NEWS
SPIRALING SERENITY
Portsmouth Unveils a New Symbol of Harmony and Natural Balance
This striking artwork, designed by renowned artist Vito Di Bari, is more than just a visual centerpiece; it’s a powerful tribute to the city’s connection with nature and a testament to the balance and organic beauty found in the world around us.
The Fibonacci Form in Steel
Crafted from robust steel and finished with a direct-to-metal epoxy coating and anti-graffiti protection, “Spiraling Serenity” stretches an impressive 22 feet wide and stands 14 feet tall. Its form, inspired by a colossal leaf folded into a golden spiral, follows the timeless Fibonacci sequence. The surface of the sculpture features intricate Voronoi diagrams that mimic cellular structures—a visual metaphor for the interconnectedness of the Portsmouth community.
“Spiraling Serenity” © Photo by David Murray – All rights reserved
A Dialogue Between Light and Landscape
Strategically placed within the coastal beauty of Peirce Island, the sculpture offers a transformative experience for visitors. As one approaches, the organic patterns and the play of sunlight through the metal web evoke the rhythmic harmony of the natural world. This site-specific installation reflects the values of a city that prizes ecological preservation, creating a space that feels as if it grew directly from the island itself.
The design invites both distant admiration from the surrounding trails and up-close exploration, where the complex geometry reveals the “quiet mathematics” that shapes everything from seashells to galaxies.
Artist Vito Di Bari (left) and Deaglan McEachern, Mayor of Portsmouth, (right) stand before the newly unveiled “Spiraling Serenity” on Peirce Island, celebrating a landmark that weaves together nature’s geometry and the spirit of the city.
Engineered for the Elements
Every detail of “Spiraling Serenity” has been engineered for longevity, from its weather-resistant materials to its thoughtful integration into the island’s landscape. The sculpture encourages residents and visitors alike to pause, reflect, and find a sense of peace in the mathematical elegance of form.
A Community United by the Golden Ratio
The unveiling ceremony brought together city leaders and community members to celebrate the addition of this new landmark. The presence of local representatives underscored the collective pride in Portsmouth’s commitment to public art that honors the environment.
From left to right: City Councilor Kate Cook; Public Art Review Committee Co-Chair Ernie Greenslade; Public Art Review Committee Co-Chair Chris Dwyer; Artist Vito Di Bari; Public Art Review Committee Member Ellen Feinberg; and Mayor Deaglan McEachern.
An Invitation to the Infinite
“Spiraling Serenity” is more than a public art installation; it is a new chapter in Portsmouth’s story. As visitors walk the paths of Peirce Island, they are reminded of the city’s resilience and the universal patterns that bind us together. The sculpture stands as a beacon of tranquility, inviting all to celebrate the spirit of community and the organic forms that keep us in perfect balance.
Vito Di Bari shared insights into how the sculpture’s organic forms and mathematical patterns were designed to foster a place for reflection and connection within the Portsmouth community