On Friday, I decided to take the train to Washington Square Park to do some observing. I’ve visited Washington Square Park before and always looked at these banners but not once did I know what they meant… Until now. I was handed the assignment of collecting information of these pieces and analyzing how they connect the community. With the help of the interactive map online and the MTA, I set off on a journey to really find out what these pieces meant.
Arch
This is the Washington Square Park Arch, one of my 3 installations. This piece works to engage the community through in structure and size. It definitely stands out compared to most pieces of art. Located in the middle of the park, you won’t be able to miss this gigantic structure. It’s no wonder everyone loves taking photos of it.
Banner 123
This is Banner 123. One of the many banners that roam around Washington Square Park. What’s special about this banner is the story behind it. It’s the photo of a refugee from Greece which I believe can really affect some of the people in the community. Being that so many people are tourists, they can look at this banner and feel a sense of safety and acceptance.
Banner 53
This is Banner 53 located just down the block from the arch. This banner is Victor Hugo, otherwise known as a French novelists who wrote many famous pieces that people still analyze today. I believe this banner shows the creativity and open culture that we all share here in the city and community.
Being the werido I am, I wrote my curatorial project on the gym and how it has developed from an era of aesthetics to an era of athletes. When asked to make my own public art project in NYC, I couldn’t have been more excited. But the problem is, my project is everywhere. “The world is your playground”, as I like to say, really sets the point that about anywhere and anyone someone can turn a bench in a sick push up spot or a scaffolding into a sweet pull up bar. But, if I were to make my own public art project it would be located at the heart of New York, Times Square. The reason being, the amount of interaction would be second to none. With locals and tourists walking by, it would bring a smile to my face to just watch someone take up a barbell or a dumbbell and just start curling out of pure jokes. That’s what I want it be, a fun time where no one feels obligated to follow any strict rules. Just put a few weights on the floor and see what people do with them. If it makes them happy, then my deed was done and if it doesn’t at least they have the experience. Through pure curiosity and excitement if how I would engage my community into my own idea and then possibly something as silly as a gym can revamp the ideas they have and make them come up with similar creative ideas. No art, no paintings, no structures or statues, just a few weights on the floor, in no specific order, just laying around Times Square.
Kevin Hasa
Kevin, I really enjoyed your blog and actually walked past your banners when I visited the park myself. I can easily connect with your idea of the arch with my idea and also the way you describe the banners and how they connect the community is really interesting. I feel like the banners have a creative way of separating the art from the real life events going on. Also, love the self exhibit you made regarding one of your favorite hobbies. I remember reading about it in class and I think it’s a great way to represent your project into a real life situation. Great blog!