Dumbo Trails
Can a bike tell the story of a borough’s past and present?
COMMUNITY | PUBLIC ART | STORYTELLING
An interactive installation dedicated to the borough's past and present
Objective
Our objective was to create a curiosity portal taking everyday objects that were site-specific and create a public installation teaching people about the history of Dumbo.
Overview
Dumbo Trails is a public art installation dedicated to the borough's past and present.The rear wheel inlaid with mirrors, bolts and wires invites the viewer to reflect on the past while mimicking the sounds of factory conveyor belts representing the workers and the manufacturing district.
The use of colourful acrylics in the front wheel represents the present and the gentrification of DUMBO, its transformation into an artists hub.
Design Process
Conceptualization: We began by crafting a compelling narrative for the bike, aiming to capture the essence of New York City's unique spirit. Our vision was to create an authentic representation deeply rooted in the local culture.
Material Sourcing: Through a successful crowdsourcing initiative, we acquired a broken bike. Our next step was to meticulously measure the spokes and calculate the precise distances between them, ensuring accuracy
Results
We installed our project at Brooklyn Bridge Park near the DUMBO area and invited people to spin the wheel and share their own DUMBO tale.
Community Impact
The piece deeply resonated with both locals and residents, who reflected on the area's gentrification and its transformation over the years. As a high-traffic tourist destination, the installation sparked curiosity and served as an engaging curiosity portal for visitors, educating them about DUMBO's rich history and the impacts of gentrification. This synergy of local engagement and tourist interest underscored the profound impact public art truly has.
In collaboration with Josephine Wang for STEM Accessibility with Sharon L De La Cruz.
Attachment Solutions: The challenge of securing acrylic and mirror pieces to the bike was ingeniously solved by employing zip ties, providing both stability and a sleek, modern aesthetic. This method guaranteed durability while maintaining the design's integrity.
