Chaos I
Chaos I300 Washington Street
Columbus, Indiana 47201.0
United States
Jean Tinguely
1974
Kinetic sculpture with motors and steel
The Commons (interior)
A monumental machine-sculpture of spinning wheels, clattering gears, and rolling iron balls animates the heart of The Commons. Twelve motors drive thirteen different actions that shift from whisper‑quiet to exuberant bursts—Tinguely’s playful balance of calm and chaos.
Fabricated in Columbus with local materials. Once rotated on its pedestal and ran throughout the day. Today, selected elements are activated during special events, preserving the spirit of motion.
Gift of J. Irwin and Xenia Miller.
Jean Tinguely (1925–1991) was a Swiss sculptor who pioneered kinetic and auto-destructive art, building humorous, thought‑provoking machines from everyday materials.
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