NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., Sept. 7,
2016 /PRNewswire/ -- When MGM National Harbor opens its
doors in Prince George's County,
Maryland later this year, guests will be ushered into the
$1.3 billion resort casino through
"Portal," a sculpted iron archway designed by legendary folk artist
Bob Dylan. The 26-foot by 15-foot custom piece will adorn the west
entrance as part of the property's art collection and is Dylan's
first permanent work of art for a public space.
"Mr. Dylan is undoubtedly one of the greatest musicians of our
time, but his incredible metalwork sculptures are a testament to
his creative genius and ability to transcend mediums," said
Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM
Resorts International. "As a company founded upon entertainment,
we're truly inspired by artists who channel their energy into
diverse paths. We're proud to collaborate with Mr. Dylan and bring
his vision to MGM National Harbor's Heritage Collection in a way
that enhances this sensory resort experience."
For high-resolution images, please visit:
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Dylan has sculpted iron pieces for family and friends for the
past 30 years, but it wasn't until 2013 – at London's Halcyon Gallery in an exhibition
called Mood Swings – that his metal artwork was first viewed
publicly. His works feature found objects, vintage scrap metal and
industrial artifacts collected from junkyards. Dylan collects
everything from farm equipment, children's toys, kitchen utensils
and antique fire arms to chains, cogs, axes and wheels. He then
welds these curiosities into thoughtfully juxtaposed masterpieces.
Commissioned by MGM National Harbor to envision an open entrance,
Dylan hand-selected unique objects and will weld a stunning
composition into a soaring archway. Guests will walk through this
incredible architectural artwork entitled "Portal" as they enter
the new resort.
Gates are elemental in Dylan's body of welding work. The poet
draws from their symbolism as doorways. "Gates appeal to me because
of the negative space they allow," said Dylan. "They can be closed,
but at the same time they allow the seasons and breezes to enter
and flow. They can shut you out or shut you in. And in some ways,
there is no difference."
Although best known as a singer and songwriter – he has released
48 albums, written over 600 songs and sold more than 110 million
records – Dylan also is a prolific visual artist who has exhibited
his paintings for two decades. His combined creative output has
influenced American art and culture in immeasurable ways.
Dylan's welding work pays homage to America's industrial core as
well as his personal history. He grew up in Hibbing, Minnesota an "Iron Range" city home
to one of the largest mines and iron ore deposits in the country,
which supplied 90 percent of the nation's iron for World War II. At
75, Dylan has witnessed the transition of the American economy and
the subsequent hard times that befell towns like Hibbing during his lifetime. His art – from
his lyrics – "The Times They Are a-Changin'" – to the discarded and
often obsolete metal items he collects and welds – reflect a bygone
era. As a folk artist, Bob Dylan captures the nation's lament for
the time before modern technology, when it was just the soil, the
hand and the tool. Fittingly, each work of art contains a small
metal buffalo, signed Black Buffalo Iron Works, followed by
Dylan's signature.
The MGM National Harbor Heritage Collection will feature pieces
from more than a dozen artists working with a variety of mediums
including aluminum, clay, stainless steel, bronze, watercolors,
photography and more. Objects will range from large-scale
sculptures and paintings to photography and LED light boxes,
creating a rich visual experience. Inspired by the heritage of the
Capital Region, the MGM National Harbor Heritage Collection will
showcase high-quality commissioned and procured works seamlessly
integrated into the resort's public spaces, by visionary local and
international sculptors, photographers and mixed-media artists.
For additional information about the artists being featured
in the Heritage Collection at MGM National Harbor, please visit
newsroom.mgmnationalharbor.com.
About MGM National Harbor
The newest addition to the MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM)
portfolio, MGM National Harbor's unrivaled setting offers stunning
panoramic views of the eastern shore of the Potomac River in
Maryland. The $1.3 billion resort sits a short distance from
Washington, D.C. to the north and
historic sites, including George
Washington's Mount Vernon
estate across the river in Virginia. The 24-story, 308-room resort will
feature premier amenities and experiences for locals as well as
visitors from around the world including a dynamic casino with over
125,000 square feet of space that includes slots, table games and
poker; a world-class spa and salon; an entertainment theater with
flexible seating for up to 3,000; high-end branded retail; 27,000
square feet of meeting space; and restaurants from renowned local,
national and international chefs. MGM National Harbor is slated to
open in the fourth quarter of 2016.
About MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's
leading global hospitality companies, operating a portfolio of
destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay
Bay and The Mirage. The Company is in the process of developing MGM
National Harbor in Maryland and
MGM Springfield in Massachusetts.
MGM Resorts controls, and holds a 73 percent economic interest in
the operating partnership of MGM Growth Properties LLC (NYSE: MGP),
a premier triple-net lease real estate investment trust engaged in
the acquisition, ownership and leasing of large-scale destination
entertainment and leisure resorts. The Company also owns 51 percent
of MGM China Holdings Limited (HK: 2282), which owns the MGM Macau
resort and casino and is developing a gaming resort in Cotai, and
50 percent of CityCenter in Las
Vegas, which features ARIA Resort & Casino. MGM Resorts
is named among FORTUNE® Magazine's 2016 list of World's Most
Admired Companies®. For more information about MGM Resorts
International, visit the Company's website at mgmresorts.com.
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