Perched beside the Astoria waterfront in Queens, New York, Revolving Voices is a compelling fusion of art and community storytelling by Urban Conga and local poet Tamra Cosby. This innovative public installation at the Astoria Houses, featuring these dynamic structures, transforms shared local experiences into a functional gathering space, celebrating the rich history and vibrant lives of its residents.
Interactive Megaphone Sculptures and Art Installations Redefine Public Space
Inspired by the form of a megaphone, the four octagonal installations of Revolving Voices vary in size and are positioned along a performance space curve. Composed of perforated metal, these structures feature images and words representing the Astoria Houses’ community life, etched with the poignant poetry and messages from Cosby and local voices. The flexibility of rotating each component allows the frames to shift perspectives, inviting residents to engage with them in diverse and meaningful ways.
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A Multifaceted Venue for Community Engagement Through Community Sculptures
Designed for daily interaction and communal events, the installation provides spaces for sitting, exploring, and performing. Its interactive nature, coupled with community-generated art and writing, transforms this public area into a lively hub for storytelling and connection, aptly amplifying the voices it represents. The megaphone shape symbolizes the projection and celebration of the community’s identity and showcases the significance of these artistic expressions as public art.
Urban Conga Principal Ryan Swanson emphasizes the artwork’s reflection of evolving yet connected voices, while Tamra Cosby underscores its community-centric creation. The exterior’s perforated visuals salute Astoria Houses’ talent and narratives, offering a textured interaction with the words.
Community-Led Design at Its Core
NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt and Alex Zablocki of the Public Housing Community Fund highlight the integral role of Astoria Houses residents in the design process. The inclusive nature of Revolving Voices ensures it echoes the authentic stories of those it represents, fostering a shared and interactive historical narrative.
Each element’s rotation invites new spatial dynamics, while community members, from playful children to thoughtful adults, find personal and shared moments within these striking public sculptures. The installation becomes a backdrop for music, conversation, and community expression during events, anchoring a sense of belonging and unity, aligning perfectly with the concept of such artistic installations.
A Space for Reflection and Connection
Not only is Revolving Voices a visual spectacle, but it also serves as a tactile experience with cut-out words, allowing people to literally feel the narratives it showcases. Its position at Hallet’s Cove offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, enhancing its allure as a community landmark and meeting place, underscoring the importance of these artworks.
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As part of NYCHA’s From Roots to Arts program, this project embodies the creativity and resilience of the Astoria Houses community, offering both a physical and symbolic place for expression and unity through these remarkable installations.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What are the sculptures at Astoria Houses called?
The sculptures are called Revolving Voices, a public installation by Urban Conga and local poet Tamra Cosby.
How do the sculptures at Hallet’s Cove engage the community?
The sculptures engage the community by serving as functional gathering spaces, featuring images and words representing community life and allowing interactive movement and engagement. They transform the public area into a lively hub for storytelling and connection.
What is the purpose of the megaphone-shaped structures?
The megaphone-shaped structures symbolize the projection and celebration of the community’s identity, showcasing the significance of these artistic expressions as public art.