2019 exterior grade acrylic paint on plywood
Queens Council on the Arts New Works grant recipient in 2019. Created at the New York Hall of Science, exhibitions department workshop.
“Roommates” is a semi-permanent site-specific installation on the roof of the New York Hall of Science introducing the trade of scenic art to the hyper-diverse community of queens. Flat theatrical set pieces depict two large fictional creatures based on the real-life symbiotic relationship of the goby fish and pistol shrimp.
This photos the view from a window looking out onto the roof. The second photo shows the view from another window. It reveals the back structure of the piece and demonstrates that the seemingly 3 dimensional forms are actually constructed 2 dimensionally.
Signage displayed at viewing points explaining a bit more about scenery:
The mutualistic symbiotic relationship between is between two fictional creatures: the Goby Garden Eel, and Berry’s Electric Pistol Squid. The Pistol Squid builds and maintains the burrows that all of these creatures call home. The Eels keep watch for predators and warn the Pistol Squid of danger since it has poor eyesight and would otherwise be caught unawares.
These imaginary creatures are based on animals that actually exist :
Berry’s electric pistol squid:
Pistol Shrimp, synalpheus fritzmuelleri
Electric Blue crayfish, procambarus alleni
Berry’s bobtail squid, euprymna berryi
Goby garden eels
Mandarin goby, synchiropus splendidus
Spotted Garden eel, Heteroconger hassi
The piece was unveiled at The New York Hall of Science’s event “Dead or Alive” which was featured in the New York Times.
During the event I live-painted a 8′ x 12′ velour backdrop with glow in the dark elements over the course of 2 days. Below are the signs I designed to further explain the project to viewers.
SCENIC ARTISTS
Scenic artists, (not to be confused with set designers), paint and/or sculpt a designer’s vision into existence. It is a trade that can be learned. It requires dedication, not an expensive degree. This is particularly valuable in an era of inflated higher education costs. The New York Hall of Science receives 500,000 visitors a year, many of which are students and educators. The intent behind “Roommates” is to introduce kids to the existence of this trade as they begin to plan their futures.