The project we first shared in July of 2011 is officially complete. Well, it’s not really skateable, but this unique project uses skatepark elements to create an interactive art installation. Conceived and designed by local artist Chris Green, this permanent outdoor art installation was commissioned by the NYC School Construction Authority for PS/IS 48 Q’s new school building in Jamaica, Queens. Spohn Ranch worked with Chris to select the proper elements and with our fabrication process nearly complete, they will be installed by Chris and his team within a few weeks.
“As the piece was installed in a heavily shaded west facing courtyard, the artwork marks various points on the annual calendar by reflecting sunlight from roof-mounted mirrors onto a series of GFRC walls. Etched into the concrete surfaces of the curved walls are 52 student-generated artworks showing the sun as a personified symbol – a petroglyphic style dating back to the Neolithic. The reflected sunlight passes over these engravings at various points in the day and year when the courtyard is darkest. Designs and sun symbols were generated in collaboration with 2nd grade students at the school over the course of a twenty-week residency.
This site-specific installation provides teachers as PS/IS 48 a vast resource for educational programs in astronomy, art history, geometry, social sciences, and ecology.”
Photos via Chris Green.
