Waterfront Neighbors ‘Call this Place Home’ with Abstract Sculpture Exhibit Along South Street
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As expected, the city finally rolled out the creative element of the nascent South Street Greenway. The two blocks’ worth of brightly colored geometric forms – part of an art project called “We Call This Place Home” – were rooted in the concrete medians this weekend, officially kicking off the art program for this site.
Neighborhood volunteers and other participants collectively designed the 124 artistic shapes, made of wood. Sizes are actually based on how long the given resident has lived in the neighborhood, and mounted the same height as its creator.
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The public project is being championed as a safety victory for its separation of vehicular traffic from pedestrians and cyclists. Yet, to be honest, the wooden figurines themselves do seem a bit dangerous to the latter. Some even bear an eerie resemblance to vehicular death memorials (i.e. crosses and stars).
We Call this Place Home was paid for by federal grants obtained by Congressman Jerrold Nadler. It was implemented with the guidance and partnership of the Hester Street Collaborative and Department of Transportation, and will remain on display for the next year.
What’s the over/under on time elapsed before a passing car or bike obliterates these object before the time is out?
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