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November 30, 2023 7 mins

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(00:00):
The West Harlem Art Fund is expanding their seasonal
residency on Governors Island through winter 2024, the first
organization outside of Lower Manhattan Cultural Council to
offer year round public art withan indoor installation available
by appointment only. This year marks our 25th
anniversary. According to Executive Director

(00:21):
Sabona Bailey McLean, where we have presented public art
throughout NYC in four out of the five boroughs.
Public art can present many challenges, strong winds,
compacted soil, small animals, or even vandalism.
Offering sculptural works duringthe winter time could be
extremely difficult or very beautiful.

(00:41):
The openness of Governors Islandlends itself to treescapes that
are breathtaking and possible snowdrifts that could remind you
of a lithograph by Courier and Ives.
The curb appeal is the name of this winter exhibition.
Because the West Harlem Art Fundis at the end of Nolan Park with
six outdoor works and an indoor installation, the public can

(01:01):
view the works beginning December 9th through early April
2024. Sculptural installations
Ancestral Annual, too, by Dario,Moore and Cody Yeomans.
Sanctuaries are reverential in nature and often comprise both
art and object. I construct these experiences
referencing the visual language of my former Anglican faith, as

(01:23):
well as my burgeoning understanding of the spiritual
practices of my ancestral heritage from West Africa and
philosophies from around the world.
Lately, this has included the journey of reclamation of lost
ancestry due to Colonialism and Slavery.
Circling Perspectives by Diane Smith.
This installation consists of anoutdoor circular wire sculpture

(01:46):
situated low to the ground. This project, titled Circling
Perspectives, aims to explore the symbolism and artistic
significance of circles and wires in sculpture while
engaging with the unique environment of Governors Island
for centuries and still anticipated completion by Kevin
Keelas Bonilla and Zach Landsberg.

(02:08):
Thinking of both colonial PuertoRican landscapes and the
ubiquitous New York City construction sites as
thresholds, limbos and incomplete environments for
centuries and still anticipated completion.
Recreates a guard tower or garita in Spanish from the
iconic colonial fortresses of Old San Juan built out of New

(02:29):
York City. Construction fencing material
echoing the hastily painted green plywood walls, paint
sprayed post Nobel stencils, andeveryday interventions such as
buffed out graffiti and commercial posters.
These elements represent a New York City visual language which
creates A visually specific linkto Puerto Rico, its colonial

(02:49):
legacy to the US, and the history of migration between
both locations. Nature's Flow and Direction by
Atu Ram Self Standing structure with circular disk on top that
will feature a large compass showing the four directions of
the earth. From the center of the compass,
12 arches will project outward. The 12 curved arched poles

(03:11):
represent the months of the year.
The center compass will be 4 feet high, the poles will
project out 12 feet and the entire structure will stand 6
feet high. The overall structure will be 6
feet high and 12 feet wide in circumference around the center
structure. The piece will symbolize the
natural curve and flow of the seasons through space and time

(03:33):
that we all experience. Nature's cosmic clock will be
portrayed through a curved lens connecting the AB and flow of
the universe. Spout by Luke Schumacher.
Spout is that the artist interpretation of a water spout
tornado and the flowing energy of water being lifted and
dropped back into the ocean? When the artist first moved to

(03:53):
NYC in 2007, Brooklyn saw the largest tornado in its history.
Besides that amazing and powerful force of nature that
year, there were also many waterspouts, which are tornadoes that
form over a body of water. Thug America, a Performance of
Forgiveness by Dennis Redmond. Darken Thug America, A
Performance of Forgiveness is a collection of 12 to 20

(04:17):
photographs captured across various settings, including
Governors Island and several other residencies I've had the
privilege to be part of over thepast two years.
This series delves deep into therich tapestry of these
locations, weaving together elements of history,
storytelling, and mythology in the context of forgiveness.

(04:37):
Through the lens of my camera, Iinvite viewers to embark on a
visual journey that unearths themultifaceted aspects of
forgiveness. These photographs not only
chronicle the historical significance of these places,
but also draw connections to theprofound stories and mythologies
associated with the concept of forgiveness.
One of the significant aspects of this collection is its

(04:58):
exploration of indigenous and black histories.
Intricately interwoven with the landscapes, events, and people
of the island and beyond, the exhibit is designed to immerse
visitors in an interactive experience both inside and
outside. As you navigate through the
exhibit, you'll find these powerful images displayed on
lawn signs that offer not just captivating visuals, but also

(05:21):
narratives, histories, and linguistic connections that
breathe life into the concept offorgiveness.
Winter Performance of Forgiveness is not just a
collection of photographs. It's a thought provoking,
emotionally charged exploration of the stories, history and
connections that forgiveness brings to the forefront.
It is a testament to the power of art in evoking reflection,

(05:43):
understanding and perhaps even forgiveness itself.
Wrapped in Indigo by Julika R Yancey Indoor Installation, this
is the artist's largest indigo installation.
The interior of NP 10 Nolan ParkBuilding 10 B will be wrapped in
Indigo fabric. The inspiration for this project

(06:04):
is the artist Christo, who wouldwrap various buildings and sites
around the world. Culturally, indigo is linked to
both W Africans and African Americans that were brought to
the United States. Indigo became an important crop
in America. Dyed fabric would be shipped to
northern states in America and then shipped to the clothing

(06:25):
factories in England. Zoxo by Miguel Otero Fuentes
Zoxo is an open heart made of two crossed circles.
The concept was conceived duringthe 2020 lockdown and it is a
symbol of connection, unity and love.
A sculpture slash performance installation installed in an
outdoor area accessible to the general public.

(06:47):
The sculpture may be programmed in collaboration with other
organizations or artists as a stage for activities engaging
local communities. Its demountable design
facilitates storage, transportation and installation
of the sculpture almost anywherein the world.
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