[2008 Projects]
TEMA/ Timeless Rhythm
TIMELESS RHYTHM
Groundswell Community Mural Project ©
www.groundswellmural.org
Concrete, glass tiles
3 benches 2 x 1 Ft
2008
Lead Artist: Alex Pimienta
Assistant Artist: Clare Herron
Youth Artists: Shaniqua Adams, Michelle Alfonso, Negesti Cantave, Michelle Carter, Christina Cox, Jessica Craft, Alexandra Flores, Andrea Gil, Jayquon Harris, Anthony Huertero, Ivan Jacobson, Melissa James, Peter Kehinde, Tariq Rodriguez, Adriana Ruiz, Keleisha Sutherland
Volunteers: Jessica Dias, Jamila Amarshi
Location: The Hugh Gilroy Senior Center (patio area), 447 Kingsborough 4th Walk, Brooklyn (Buffalo Ave & Pacific St)
Community Partner: Camille Villaroel & The Hugh Gilroy Senior Center
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
“Timeless Rhythm,” Groundswell’s first mosaic bench project, was created by youth and artists in our Teen Empowerment Mural Apprenticeship (TEMA) program. In partnership with NYCHA and the Hugh Gilroy Senior Center in Weeksville, Brooklyn the team created a series of benches for residents, adjacent to the ‘Weeksville Time Train’ mural painted the previous summer. The design was inspired by the music that senior citizens were exposed to in the 30s, 40s, and 50s, including Blues, Gospel and Jazz. The composition emerged in the same way a Jazz musician improvises, with the participants transposing the forms that the music suggested into visual form. Working initially with one color and one line, the group experimented with color and contrast to create a sense of direction and movement. Different shapes formed, and were moved through space by the rhythm that the colors created.
Throughout the project the team of youth artists reflected on the lives of the older generation and asked themselves, “What would they like to see? How can we design these benches to be comfortable for them to sit on?” The seniors were delighted with the benches and warmly expressed their gratitude to the team of youth artists. All attended a dedication ceremony that was held in late spring to mark the enhancement of the senior center through the addition of the benches.
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