“New York City is in a constant state of flux. In almost every neighborhood of Manhattan, one can see older systems and spaces being replaced by newer ones.”- Peter Mallo.
For the last project for, Space and Materiality class, we had to work on creating something new to add in space. We were required to make out project out of recyclable material, mostly like found cardboard or even paper. To start we first had to scout for a place where we wanted add something new to it. Once you pick that one place we had to create sketch out our piece that would fit best in that space. After the sketch if finished, we were required to make a template of the object we were creating and making it into a 3D model (The 3d model would be your actual model that would be places in space). Lastly, we were required to bring our object to that space and either leave it there or take it home after we had documented it.
Red, is my final presentation for Space and Materiality class. The place of choice is located in one of the streets in Chinatown. There was section of the building where everything was red and I really enjoyed that everything was red at the moment there. From the doors, to the gates, and even the bag in the bike. It first I was thinking to add a bunch of Chinese flowers, however I am not an expert on any Chinese culture specially meaning of flowers. Then, with the help of our instructor, he gave me the idea to work with the graffiti that was already in that space. After that, I was working with how to make graffiti art, and for being my first time, I want to say it came out decently well. The placement for my object was that red board that was covering the window where I would have my graffiti words and just be the word “RED”
This are sketches of my practinc graffiti. I chose the last design on the right side but still did some editing fo at the end of my work. Even thought I like to have my work with more organic shapes I went on having straight likes.
Once I finished sketching, I made my letter templates on paper. Next, I cut out the letters and traced it on top of the cardboard so I can cut out the each piece. Having the templates was really nice, because one of my cardboard pieces was damaged and my template saved me! Each letter has a back part, so when having to hang it to the red bored it would have been so much easier. Each back piece is also made out of scrapped cardboard. The way I connected them was by scraped wire and wire I still had from older projects. For the covering of each letter I used the same paper material as my Mask project, mulberry Paper. At first I didn’t want to cover my pieces because I thought having the actual materials show would be so much better, and it would pop out from the red background. I am really glad I took the time to add the red covering, it came out more interesting, specially that it kind of camouflages pretty well to the background. The shininess of the paper is due to the modpodge that left a glory finish. I didn’t add to ever space, it’s just certain areas. Also the placement of the paper was to mimic a texture that graffiti artists add to some of their lettering works, the seem of the paper also mimics the backboard.
RED in Chinatown.
This are pictures of my final work. I was really happy about my outcome and it fit so well on that board and that building. The drop shadow works perfect here because most of Griffith lettering has that element when they drawn it to make it 3D. The fact that the shadows are very clear even from a far makes the letters blend in more. I made it easy for the owner to grab it and throw it away just incase they didn’t want it there. This still makes me really excited that I want to do more and locate it in multiple areas in NYC.
