Boston Sculptors Gallery to Launch Convergence Exhibit at Christian Science Plaza

Liminal Bloom by Andy Zimmermann, currently on display in front of First Church of Christ, Scientist. (Photos via Convergence)

If you’ve strolled through the Christian Science Plaza at the corner of Massachusetts and Huntington Avenues during the last week or so, you might have asked yourself one or more of the following questions.

1. Why are those trees wearing clothes?
2. Why are big boulders lodged in the branches of those skinny trees—and why are people picnicking underneath them?
3. And, hey, can I plank on this?

Wave Cloud by George Sherwood, currently on display at the west end of the Reflecting Pool in Christian Science Plaza.

The explanation to all of these is Convergence, the Boston Sculptors Gallery’s first outdoor art exhibit, which officially launches this week. Starting Wednesday, a full roster of about two dozen sculptures will be set up around the plaza for a summer-long show that will last until the end of October. The art is inspired by the “convergence” of imagination and civic pride.

Along with last week’s unveiling of the finalists in Design Museum Boston’s Street Seat’s competition, Convergence is giving Boston a much-needed dose of modern outdoor art this summer. Good luck walking through the plaza without turning your head at least once to give these works of art a second look.

A number of the sculptures for Convergence have already been set up around the plaza, and they’re quite the showstoppers. Take, for instance, Andy Zimmermann’s Liminal Bloom, a 12-by-12-foot blossom of sleek petals currently installed right in front of the First Church of Christ, Scientist. Its sharp points add a curious sense of danger to an otherwise peaceful, calm environment.

Nearby in the trees are more subtle visuals that demand a double-take. Along the lawn, don’t be alarmed to see the trees dressed in light, sheer clothes. (Part of Leslie Wilcox’s Sentinel Stand, they’re just shedding their winter layers like the rest of us, after all.) And the delicate trees somehow managing to carry heavy-looking boulders in their branches? They’re part of Andy Moerlein’s Impossible concept.

What’s more impossible, of course, is my vision of someone trying to plank on George Sherwood’s Wave Cloud (above). The sculpture—constructed of tiny steel pieces weaved together into a thin sheet that is mounted high the air—moves freely to create a soft, ever-changing pattern of light and sounds. Reminiscent of waves in the water, the netting changes speed and pitch depending on wind, time of day, and other factors.

So now you know the answer to Question 4: What’s the deal with the huge stone heads on Huntington Ave.? Answer: Mind your own business, they’re in love.

Convergence runs from Wednesday, May 1, through October 31, 2013. The Christian Science Plaza is located at the corner of Massachusetts and Huntington Avenues west of the Prudential Center.

Loving Stones by Joseph Wheelwright, currently on display on Huntington Avenue between Massachusetts Avenue and Belvidere Street.

Arabesque by Eric Sealine, currently on view outside 101 Belvidere Street north of the Reflecting Pool.