This project invited 10 young artists from the Popup Gallery Group (PUGG) to create dioramas which reflect on their personal world views during this unusual and challenging time. *PUGG is a work study program
One theme was nostalgia for birthday parties and BBQs, simply being together. Some reflected on communities fighting for justice, and one artist went deep into a fantasy world of lavender stars. Visitors could enjoy closeups of the worlds through binoculars.
The framing for their worlds was created in the form of joyous renewal: paper flowers.
Artists:
Joanna Ruiz
Maizy Milliken
Gia Boolukus
Vera Wilde
Chris Mascilino
Colin Secore
Nick Carroll
Kaya Keller
Angel Brown
Dezha King
📸 @jessicajamesonphoto
❤️ good vibes and support: Beth and Lindsey Wolkowicz
+Huge thank yous and appreciation to the Pinkwatergallery and the O+ fest for hosting
Occhiolino (2022), created with PUGGs (Pop-up Gallery Group)
ORIGINAL PROJECT
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(late Spring 2021) This project began with a prompt, and afterwards, a party.
“How does it feel to come back?”
It was a small group of friends’ first time getting together since the Pandemic started.
Joyfully, we gathered at a KOA campground to celebrate the outdoors and our health.
I created oversized paper blooms with poetry from the prompt I gave cut into the leaves.
The poetry cast emotional shadows onto the ground, a release.
7′ paper flowers were assembled on site, all five responses to the prompt were cut into leaves and lit.
Everything is better with LEDs!
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I’m working on the next version of this installation to be completed in June/ July 2022.
A tiny installation within an installation, explorers consider our tenuous connections by viewing scenes from the recent past through standing binoculars.
Explorers will encounter a dreamy scene punctuated by a group of tall, unusually shaped, bright white metal blooms, which create a stark contrast with the sky. Across the way are standing binoculars and a few colorful step stools.
By interacting with the binoculars, explorers may view a closeup of a world within the center of the standing plant.
The worlds are recent scenes, expressing multiple perspectives and are covered by a transparent dome in each of the plants’ center. The plants ask explorers to sit on the step stools, and contemplate other worldviews.
During the lead up to the event, community members are asked to share responses to “How Does It Feel to Come Back”.
Cut into the petals and leaves, their words create poetic shadows on the sand.
