Barton Rubenstein

Known for creating works that incorporate water and wind, Barton Rubenstein is an internationally recognized sculptor and public artist. To date, he has created over 70 works around the world, including city and state projects, parks and academic institutions, as well as commissions for private residences. He developed an interest in art from a young age, encouraged by his mother, an art historian and curator for the Smithsonian Institution. His love of sailing and interests in the forces of wind and the rhythm of water have led him to explore kinetic components in his art powered by these natural forces.

Previous to his career as an artist, Rubenstein was a neuroscientist. Rubenstein studied physics at Haverford College, earning his Bachelor of Science, and went on to receive a Master of Science and Doctorate at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. His research focused on anomalies of visual perception, such as camouflage, how information is learned and consolidated during the dream portion of sleep.

In 2015, Rubenstein was commissioned by the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery to create the “Portrait of a Nation Prize,” a sculpture award that will be given annually to five great Americans. He also served on a committee at the National Academy of Sciences to redesign the US currencies, culminating in the release of the new $100 bill in 2011.