Father and Son

Father and Son is a public fountain at Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle, featuring an oval basin with two bronze statues positioned across from each other. The work combines water, stainless steel, and aluminum into a walkable sculpture that invites viewers into a conversation between the two figures.

Louise Bourgeois created this work between 2004 and 2005 as a gift to Seattle Art Museum following a substantial donation. The installation marked a turning point in artistic collaboration between the renowned artist and the waterfront park.

The alternating water patterns between the two bronze figures speak to family bonds and how generations connect in contemporary American life. Visitors can watch how the shifting water movements take turns highlighting each statue.

The fountain is accessible throughout the day and evening, with the lighting becoming particularly noticeable as dusk arrives. The park itself is free to enter, and the installation sits directly on a public pathway that is easy to reach.

The installation operates as a conceptual clock where water levels shift to reveal the father and son figures alternately, while bells mark the passing time. This ingenious system transforms the fountain into an ever-changing spectacle that rewards visitors with new discoveries each time they return.