A new art installation will be on display at a St. George construction site until early Dec., according to NYC officials.
Melanie Crean, Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Public Artist in Residence, designed the art work entitled “Reify,” which will be on display at the Richmond County Surrogate Court House in St. George.
The art will be on display until Dec. 10.
“I really respect the work done with the project participants, who took on the difficult challenge of voicing personal opinions and experiences related to justice, and then strategizing how to translate these into photography that would be seen in such a large public forum,” Crean said. “I’m grateful that they remain involved in the project and look forward to continue discussions with them about the relation of creativity and the future of justice in State Island.”
The art represents the idea of people forging connections with each other across divides.
“I especially enjoyed sharing experiences and hearing the perspective of people from different backgrounds about the justice system, and then seeing those ideas be represented as images through tableaus,” said Project Participant Manya Sabu, an observer who spoke with Crean.
The construction site is at the corner of Richmond Terrace and Schulyer Street. New York City officials allocated $5.2 million in March to restore the site. Restoration work is underway at the building’s front limestone stairs, brass handrails and other façade items.
“DDC is proud to participate in the city’s public arts programs while rehabilitating this important civic structure,” DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley said. “This project is an excellent example of how we are able to use construction sites to engage New Yorkers even while our projects continue.”