Eileen Hoffman Brooklyn, NY
I had already begun to think about the ways public art could make a difference during this time, so I was immediately excited about this project. I appreciate that it sends a positive message to people, and brings us together during this time of isolation. “The Stories Will be Told”, is placed on the fence overlooking the ball fields in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. Each year the fields, which are usually filled with baseball, flag football, and soccer, are closed during the winter to reseed the grass. Because of the virus, they were not opened this year and remain empty. My son is an aspiring college baseball player, so I am particularly sensitive to the interruption the pandemic has brought to athletes’ lives. I want to send prayers to all the athletes who have had their dreams interrupted this year. I see this as a metaphor for all of us who have had our lives put on hold. I want us to remember our significance and appreciate all the ways we have not let the pandemic stop us. We continue to find ways to live, work and grow. The prayer flag patterns are painted on clear dura-Lar with acrylic paint. The writing is taken from current newspaper headlines. I want the delicacy, transparency and vibrancy of the painting to reflect the breadth of our experiences and to send out messages of strength and hope. It was wonderful to install it. The park is very strict about what can be displayed, so I was not able to leave it there unattended. I spent the day setting it up and talking with people. I have a video of someone dancing throughout the piece. I have also gotten great feedback from people who have seen it via social media. I am very appreciative for the opportunity to create this piece during this stressful time, when it isn’t always easy to feel creative.
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