The Big Edge

Amidst the opulent casinos and vibrant lights of Las Vegas, an unexpected sight stands out. Nancy Rubins' "Big Edge" sculpture, created in 2009, features over 200 aluminum canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and sailboats, forming a 75-foot masterpiece at CityCenter plaza. Described as a "bouquet" or a "big metal flower," the gravity-defying artwork challenges perceptions of weight, with thousands of pounds of stainless steel creating the illusion of hovering. While Rubins asserts no explicit meaning, the juxtaposition of boats on dry land invites reflection on the challenges of cultivating a lush cityscape in the arid Mojave Desert.