"Clark Y Study II"
Flight Centennial Collection
Works on fabric
Two-dimensional composition on Poly-Fiber (Medium-1) aircraft fabric.
36" x 66" (91 x 168 cm)

Jo-Ann Lizio O'Brien

Large Image & Materials List
Artist's Statement:
A wing in cross-section is defined by complex rib structures. Wing structures are engineered to generate lift over a range of relative angles, called angles of attack, to the approaching airstream.

As the angle of attack increases, lift changes until the "critical angle of attack" is achieved. At the critical angle of attack, the smooth airstream separates as a turbulent mass from the top of the wing and the airfoil enters a "stall". A stalled airfoil no longer lifts.

"Clark Y Study II" takes the viewer through a series of attack angles. The critical angle is left to be sensed, not experienced! The rib images in negative relief take care of that.

About the Flight Centennial Collection:
"Clark Y Study II", as in all works in the Flight Centennial Collection, uses structural components, flight-stressed fabrics and metals, and contemporary and vintage hardware, from aircraft that played major roles in the first century of aviation. The frame for "Clark Y Study II" is of standard art materials.