Three Works Representing Narratives 

Dominique DeVito

Public artworks can be found in both formal and unofficial forms. Some works clearly show intent, while others are altogether accidental. Even though these two forms seem entirely opposite, they have much in common; such as their accessibility, the fact that they are free, and the fact that they “offer the public powerful experiences with art and the urban environment.”

While on the way to Coney Island one can see many examples of accidental art. One that truly tells a story is subway graffiti. While spray painted graffiti can make beautiful art, it seems that the corse unpretentious scratchings on subway cars are even more lovely. They really represent a moment in time, a feeling, and a response. While traveling to the “real art” I saw a conversation taking place in scratches on the train window. “Do you love God?” “No, why should I?” “I love Jen!” and it continued. Different people all at different moments, but connected by this one subway car conversation that seemed to travel through time, there appears to be something very deep about that. 

At the Coney Island station there are many homeless men and women who take shelter. As I passed one man, exhaustion, dirt and sadness was written all over his face. However, he sat beside a makeup advertisement displaying a gorgeous woman with perfect skin and flawless features. The juxtaposition of  the ad, showing someone seemingly without a care in the world, right next to a man who seemed to have everything to worry about, was eerie, sad, and thought provoking. 

On the Coney Island boardwalk near west 16th street is the over-seventy-five year old Parachute Jump. Moved from the World’s Fair and opened for use in 1941, the jump is considered an iconic landmark. In 1968 it closed down in order to be partially rebuilt due to not reaching current safety standards. The Coney Island Parachute Jump holds so much narrative and history. Its aging infrastructure speaks of the past, while new LED installations bring it into current times. The opposing time periods, combined into one fixture, make for great narrative. 

References:

Phifer, Jean, and Francis Dzikowski. Public Art New York. New York: W.W. Norton, 2009. Print.

The initial picture relates to people. While walking the highline you are bombarded with advertisements. The location gives an opportune space for advertising because the main activity while walking the highlane is simply, looking around at the sights.

The second picture relates to the environment. Although there is so much greenery and foliage while walking along the highlane, it cannot combat the construction and dirt in NYC. It may be able to momentarily block the view, but you can never completely make it disappear.