Client: City of Austin

Overview

Art In Public Places permanent installation at Rosewood Neighborhood Park and Pool bath house. Collaboration with light artist fabricators Polis Interactive, we endeavored to create the first of its kind, dynamic backlit mosaic pixel art murals which wrap the building and are activated after dark, giving the appearance of port holes. Showcasing neighborhood residents young and old, this unique installation can be appreciated both day and night, making the surrounding park area safer at night as the illumination washes over the entire playground.

Goals

Public art goals and priorities for this project were as follows:

- Create artwork which reflects the nature and character of the Rosewood Neighborhood Park and Pool
- Conceptualizes a strong overall artwork design approach that integrates with the site
- Is consistent with and mindful of the historic values of the Rosewood community and Rosewood Neighborhood Park site;
- Is easily maintained and vandal resistant in an exterior environment; and
- Contributes to the depth/breadth of the City of Austin’s public art collection

Process

Inviting residents and model community members from the area, we elevate three generations and share narratives from each of the participants depicted in the interactive mural.

Designing together with Polis Interactive, and working from photographic reference from Tony Moreno and Jared Malik Royal, I fabricated the glass mosaic on acrylic backing using a translucent epoxy grout which allows for the diffusion of light. Polis then installed the steel circular framing and dynamic light backing along with the electrical and programmable infrastructure to integrate seamlessly with the site.

Additional Information

The concept for our collaborative community artwork is one which engages with the playful nature of the pool and underwater recreation. Dynamic backlit glass mosaic mural set on clear acrylic with translucent epoxy grout, framed in steel, porthole "murals" with animated LED lighting throughout.