Rainbow Swash, Public art installation on gas tank in Dorchester, Massachusetts.
Rainbow Swash is a large-scale art installation painted on a liquefied natural gas storage tank in Dorchester with multicolored horizontal stripes. The work covers approximately 140 feet (43 meters) in height and is easily visible from Interstate 93.
The artwork was designed by Corita Kent in 1971 after Boston Gas Company commissioned an artistic transformation of the tank. The installation was transferred to a new tank in 1992 with some modifications to the original design.
The name reflects the rainbow colors that dominate the design created by artist Corita Kent. The work demonstrates how artists can transform everyday industrial structures into public enjoyment for people passing through the city.
The artwork is best viewed while driving south on Interstate 93 near Exit 15, about two miles (three kilometers) from downtown Boston. It remains visible during daylight hours and requires no admission or special arrangements to see.
The blue section of the work became the subject of discussion because some viewers believed they could see a hidden profile within it. This interpretation eventually influenced how the design was adjusted when it was moved to the new tank.
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