Work in Progress

IMG_1268

IMG_1254 IMG_1256

The artwork is a refreshing burst of vitality in the midst of the stark concrete walls that make up the elevated subway station at Freedman Street in the Bronx. Out of the six pieces that can be found in the Bronx, each piece can be divided into three segments. The artwork demonstrates daily life in the neighborhood of the Bronx. The framework of the window seems to disrupt the illusion that the scene is trying to create. It is as thought the fluid movement of the picture is disrupted by the start nature of the bold lines. In addition to its feature as a window, I believe that this gridded obstruction could possibly signify a metaphorical representation of how things may not be as they seem and a deceptive quality about the environments around us.

The piece consists of a series of colored glass panels that stand elevated against the backdrop of light. It is a stained glass miracle made out of thousands of pieces of faceted glass. The ability to show kinetic movement in a still is what I marvel at.

 

 

IMG_1258

IMG_1262       IMG_1261

IMG_1283 IMG_1287 IMG_1288 IMG_1316 IMG_1317 IMG_1321 IMG_1322 IMG_1331 IMG_1335 IMG_1337 IMG_1338 IMG_1341 IMG_1348 IMG_1354 IMG_1356 IMG_1360

When I visited the Bronx, it seemed to met like it was a place filled with people living there to get from one day to the next. There aren’t any gleaming or glaring, ‘city lights,’ or any external glamour that would propel visitors to consider it a lively or exciting neighborhood. I believe that the uniqueness of the Bronx comes with the fact that you see it for what it is. There aren’t any layers to it.What it holds most prominently is life and the daily functioning of ordinary people and the traces that they leave behind as individuals. There aren’t any towering sky scrapers or any dazzling landscapes. It is filled with quiet roads and corner streets, not the hustle and bustle of an overwhelming environment. One of the most prominent characteristics of the streets is the graffiti. It is a form of expression for the people and something they associate themselves with. It is more than an unofficial type of public message.

Art is at its most optimum force when it has the ability to capture the spirt of people and place. The reflecting glass pieces at the Freeman Street subway station, have the poignant ability in doing just that.

 

ENVIRONMENT- BEHAVIOUR RESEARCH

As I begin to dwell around the 8th floor of the the 6 East 16th Street building, it is evident that the two prominent features on this floor are the library and the, ‘O cafe.’ No matter which department students fall a part of, these two characteristics encourage visitors from all and departments.IMG_7594IMG_7593The prominent public and official messages of the cafe propel are attention towards their signs. The library forms this box around which  consists the cafe, along with chairs and tables that allow students and faculty to lounge around between classes.On the tables you find crumbs and ring stains that I know have been caused by drinks having been placed there.  Opposite the cafe there is a board with all types of flyers and posers.IMG_7598IMG_7599 The posters have been situate here because this floor attracts people from the entire building and they would have a highler level of visibility. In the midst of official school signs evidence of unofficial public messages are found as people put up posters of things they have missing. There is a very casual manner in the way that people express themselves as this is the tone that the cafe sets.  IMG_7600

As I walk in from the staircase I am immediately invited in by a  warm murmur of sound and conversation as well as the fragrant smell of freshly roasted coffee and oven baked goods. Empty coffee cups lie on tables as people have left them there after they had finished them. The ruffle of the brown papers bags are heard as people dig into their snacks. The most prominent auditory sound however is the stark shift of entering the glass doors of the library. It is as though the robust mumble of conversation turns into a sudden and sharp sterile silence. There is a juxtaposition of behavior outside in the cafe and inside in the library. In the library people are concentrating on their work and are scattered around certain sections and desks. Props of study such as laptops, books, pens and paper are seen. As I walk around I can see little stepping stools that I can imagine people use to stand on to reach high shelves. One of the most fascinating aspects of the library are the glass windows that allow it to interact with the cafe that is outside.They form the most fascinating features as they are able to blur the boundaries between physical separations and connections. While all the students together fall a part of a larger community of the school, there are still certain inner group memberships that people fall a part of. We found a man who carried with him an arsenal scarf and the inner group and community that he falls a part of. IMG_7607

Thus it is evident that our environment tells us so much about the people that interact with it. It is the changes we make to our environment and the way that we adapt to it that speaks volumes about the people that use it.

Micro-Structures: The Fluctus

IMG_1369IMG_1371IMG_1373IMG_1393IMG_1395Screen Shot 2016-02-22 at 12.42.24 pm

In an attempt to create an architectural monument, I used ‘rice krispies treats,’ as my unconventional material of choice. By heating it in the microwave for a couple of seconds, I melted the marshmallow combining the different fragments into one block. It then hardened to form a solid structure that I was able to carve. I wanted to transform the stark edges into gentle curves that would represent a fluid movement of lines. From every angle, the monument appears to be different and creates a rhythmic flow. I enjoyed the mouldable nature of the material as well as the ability to chisel it and transfigure it with my own artistic ability.

Screen Shot 2016-02-22 at 1.24.43 pm

Archive Exercise

PRIMARY SOURCE RESEARCH PRACTICE

A different group member should record notes about your group discussion for each part of the exercise.

PART 1. CONTENT – 5 MINUTES

Describe your group’s primary sources. Record brief statements about the primary sources from looking closely at them. What details jump out at you?

Try not to interpret them. Pretend you are describing these items to a friend.

Consider your initial impressions. What assumptions might you be bringing to your observations?

As I begin to observe the photographs, I can not help but notice the very dark and dull mood. As the sequence of the photographs progress, we begin by looking at speakers dresses in dramatic attire, to images of celebratory balloons, finally leading up to ‘neato inflato,’ structures. There is evidently some very bad lighting and an absence of humans. The inflato structures are given a structural framework and definite form. The scene is set in a dark secluded zone with no evidence of connection to the outside world.The inflato structures intertwine themselves with the balloons to form a prominent display. The structure dominates the very secluded and empty nature of the scene. The chairs are laid out in a orderly and precise manner.The lighting filters in from the ceilings but the pictures fail to capture its effect. The speakers seem dramatic in their nature and appear to have serious expressions on their faces.

PART 2. CONTEXT – 5 MINUTES

Think about the context of what you’re looking at:

­— immediate context : How does each item relate to the other items in your group’s set of primary sources? If one item, how do text and graphics work together?
— the social/cultural/political aspects from the period in which the materials were produced

What information would help you to understand and interpret these primary sources?

As I look at the images, the most important factor to take into consideration before analysing  the context is the fact that the images were taking in the 70s. This allows us a clearer understanding of the images and what they contribute. The fact that the pictures were taken in the 70s explains the mood that the images display. The dullness of the pictures could be caused by the photographic techniques available at that time. This would thus filter light creating the visual effect that we bear witness to. If we look at the way the speakers are dressed in the initial few pictures, their thespian  attire reflects the theatrical aspect of the 70s. The pictures demonstrate a strange intensity and a feeling of isolation. The celebratory and synthetic balloons create a contrast with the remote surroundings. The ‘neato inflato,’ structures I believe contradict the purpose of earth day as the aspect of conservation is overlooked.All the images seem to share similarities in their range of colour and composition.

 

PART 3. SIGNIFICANCE – 5 MINUTES

Create a minimum of 5 questions about your group’s set of primary sources. They can be very general or very specific.

Your group may answer with your own hypotheses, but it’s also fine to leave the questions open-ended.

1) What do the ‘neato inflato,’ structures signify?

2) What contributes to the isolation that the pictures demonstrate ie. the absence of humans?

3) Do the ‘neato inflato,’ structures connect with what the speaker has to say in his speech?

4) What is the purpose of the sausage like shape that the inflato structures form?

5) How do the balloons connect with the inflato structures?

 

Barnes & Nobel: The Experience and Observation

IMG_7450

A visit to Barnes & Nobel is more than just a trip to a bookstore, it is an experience unto itself. As I step into the store, I am invited in by a lovely delicate tune that begins to set the mood for what is to follow. The environment is quiet yet not sterile in its silence. There is a warmth to the mumble of conversation that fills the air. At the entrance there is a sign that informs visitors of their store timings, along with a display of  the bestsellers in the window. The entrance opens up to the most popular books up front. To the left there is a Customer Service desk that helps any individual who enters find exactly what they’re looking for swiftly. Those who wish to linger have four floors to explore As we move up the escalator I watch how every individual in the store finds a way to gravitate towards their fascination. Each section is well thought out and planned in a strategic manner. At the top of the escalators there are signs that are placed.IMG_7471I consider this to be the perfect place as it is in the customers range of vision as everyone waits to get to their desired floor. Bright light fills the space through the glass windows while the Corinthian columns and the green carpeted floors run through all the floors like a single element of connectivity in the largeness of the store. Floral wallpaper creates an inviting backdrop.IMG_7468IMG_7462 It is by nature of a fluid movement that we go through all the levels. I feel a need to slow down and take in all that I see, as every individual eventually goes about their purpose. It is a stark contrast agains the bustling nature of New York City that lies just outside. It is the juxtaposition of two spheres. I notice that signs are placed in between book shelves. As people browse they are propelled towards these signs. Occasionally we hear the BEEP of the register. Time just slips out of your hands as here, we are secluded from the world.

As we are tucked away, I believe that more interaction with the outside world could further enhance the environment. There could be big glass windows where people are able to overlook the city, further magnifying the contrast in the two surroundings, integrating the different worlds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grand Central Scavenger Hunt

 

 

IMG_7523 IMG_7524

Grand Central Terminal and the kinetic nature of its surroundings alters what I know about my external environment and what they mean to me. I had the ability for the fist time to gaze externally at our profound, subconscious recognition that we call simultaneous perception. It is an astute level of consciousness that allows us to be wary of the movement of other individuals. As I stood on the balcony that overlooks the Grand Concourse, the humans appeared as little minuscule dots running around, each in their own little race. I stood still and could sense the palpable movement that encompassed the space.

IMG_7494 IMG_7495 IMG_7534  Guastavino designed vaulted ceilings.

IMG_7504 IMG_7505   Bi-planed mural

IMG_7506    Evidence of wear and tear

IMG_7509  Caught mid selfie. Overheard a profound conversation she had with her companion in Korean. I understood every word. 

IMG_7500  my zodiac- Pisces

 IMG_7515 IMG_7516 IMG_7521

The Richard Lippold sculpture

IMG_7525 IMG_7528

The Transit Museum where I was most excited by the train.

IMG_7533  IMG_7535 IMG_7532IMG_7496    IMG_7497    TIME…ticking away.

IMG_7502

Carving of a dragon

IMG_7540

added bonus

IMG_7542

Whisper chamber

IMG_7543

No longer in use.

IMG_7547

A fascinating sculpture that I had come across in the subway station on my way to the 4 5 6 train. I see it as the internal mechanism of a grater structure. A fascinating form.

Systems and Strategies

Systems are often defined as related parts that work together towards a greater structure.Often they consist of many tiny functions that together contribute towards a larger purpose. It has a particular structure and a definite way of functioning. Only a slight change in a system can make it collapse. Systems and Strategies disguise themselves in the real world and constantly help us on a daily basis. I believe that they form the core of all that we see around us, hidden behind different words and functions.

I believe that often a system is built and designed in accordance to our needs as humans. It can also be a naturally existing nature structure. Below, I discuss a combination of the two.

  • the solar system. Each planet has its own rotation and revolution that allows it to move along it’s path with relation to the sun.
  • recycling system. A process of reusing non biodegradable waste that requires a series of steps before unused goods can be transformed into new products. It is essential for us in todays world as it conserves raw materials.
  • surveillance system. A system that keeps a watchful eye in order to maintain a peaceful everyday functioning. Without this there would be chaos as wrongdoers would get away with committing harm.
  • the food chain. The food chain is a system as it starts with the sun as the main source of energy. Through photosynthesis it is passed along through a chain before being consumed by all animals. Without water or sunlight this system would fall apart.
  • sewage system. A system that requires a series of steps that disregard human waste in a hygienic manner not allowing them to become breathing grounds for diseases.

Iron Ivy

IMG_5298IMG_7478IMG_7488IMG_7416IMG_7418IMG_7419

As I read the article ‘Iron Ivy,’ I get a grater understanding into what the fire escape has grown to represent, with the drawings I attempt to illustrate its structural counterparts with pen, ink and water colour.

A BALCONY, A BOX SEAT, A VIEWING PLATFORM.

With its iconic significance being highlighted, the fire escape was first developed as a ladder on wheels. Since its initial mobile structure, it has grown to form fixed structures on both buildings and our minds as we associate them as being characteristic of certain neighbourhoods. Lastly, I contrast the naturalistic creeper agains the iron manifestation of the human mind.

Save The Egg!

Screen Shot 2016-02-01 at 1.31.09 pm

While we were on a mission to save the egg, we were able to understand the true delicacy of the situation as we had to find a way to use the sting to manoeuvre the egg into the can without allowing it to crack. With the obstacles in place (the duster,) it was up to the power of the mind to determine a strategy to fulfill the task at hand. It however was more than a single handed effort as it required the connectivity of minds and skills. Our plan was to use a triple angular force to create a network around the egg. It was only coordinated movement that could allow us to achieve our goal.

What we were creating was in fact a system and our plan of action was our strategy.

Although in the end, we did not meet our goal in the given time frame, an understanding of the larger picture was what was of importance. Systems and Strategies disguise themselves in the real world and constantly help us on a daily basis. I believe that they form the core of all that we see around us, hidden behind different words and functions.

Our Proverb: Human connection and interaction are what allow us to overcome circumstance.