*“ART SCRIM is a temporary outdoor gallery program that highlights local artists by turning construction fencing around Barry’s Corner into a platform for sharing art. “
Artwork by Muideen Ogunmola and Stephanie Vecellio: In August, I learned of two new displays of art on fabric along fences near the intersection of North Harvard Street and Western Avenue in Allston. The series by both artists extended my own awareness of how the semi-transparent quality of scrim textile can work with the metal fence patterns as well as the natural and constructed landscape. Until I revisit and learn more, here are my recent photos and quotes from informative links.
Girl with a Tulip, Artwork by Muideen Ogunmola
““Girl with a Tulip” explores visual ideas and inspiration from Muideen’s interest in fashion, people, and pop culture. It is also a nod to “Girl with a Pearl Earring”.The collage uses a geometric style to combine bold colors and vibrant patterns with the powerful and expressive elements of African art.”(quote from ART SCRIM Girl with a Tulip )
“Growing up in Detroit, Michigan in the ’90s and early 2000s, Muideen was surrounded by the rich cultural heritage of the African-American community. This had a profound impact on his artistic development and his desire to capture the beauty and complexity of his American experience through art.” (quote from ART SCRIM Girl with a Tulip )
ARTIST Q&A: “WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED ABOUT DOING PUBLIC ART PROJECTS AROUND BOSTON? As this is my first large public arts project, I am excited to have the opportunity to create a meaningful and impactful work that engages the local community. While I have not yet had the chance to work on a public art project in Boston, I have learned from other artists and Zone 3 that community engagement and collaboration are key to creating successful public art projects in the city.”(quote from ART SCRIM Girl with a Tulip )
Neighborhood Walks, Artwork by Stephanie Vecellio
““Neighborhood Walks” is a collection of observational drawings inspired by connecting with the small moments of everyday life. Drawing these moments seeks to capture the heart, joy, and nostalgia in the places and objects we look at every day.” ( quote from ART SCRIM: Neighborhood Walks )
“Taking inspiration from wherever she might happen to be, Stephanie’s work is drawn directly from life, most often using marker and pen. She aims to capture shadow and light in playful saturation, bringing unexpected color to everyday scenes.” ( quote from ART SCRIM: Neighborhood Walks )
ARTIST Q&A “WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PUBLIC ART PIECE IN THE AREA? It’s a sentimental one: the street I used to live on a few years ago is home to a community Neighborway mural, an initiative to slow down street traffic through art. Artists and residents from my neighborhood planned the theme and design, and we painted it together.https://www.neighborways.com/hudson-street It’s worn a bit from years of foot traffic, but you can still see it and walk the labyrinth on Hudson St. in Somerville.” ( quote from ART SCRIM: Neighborhood Walks )
Across from the new artwork are earlier installations ( by Yenny Hernandes, Deborah Jonson, and Anna Dugan) that appear to have held up without much fading since spring of 2022. Below is my only recent photo, but it compares well with those in my post about ART SCRIM in July 2022.
“ART SCRIM builds on other Zone 3 programs like Walls on Western and Art in Print, continuing a commitment to the creative community and energizing the streetscape along the Western Ave corridor.“
KEY RESOURCES
Art Outdoors 