No Loitering!
mixed media window installation
Lavelle with Seitu Jones reflected in window, 2015
Size
W 17’ x H 8’ x D 6’
date/location
2015
former bank building, 8th Street and Hennepin Avenue, downtown Minneapolis
materials
Bench; Wall Street Journal newspaper, magazines + papier mache; lighting equipment; bricks; plywood; foam core.
Summary
No Loitering! is an intersection between human and bird; earthly and mythological worlds, daydreams and nightmares. The absurd spikes on the bench, which render it useless, recall not only bird deterrents but also hostile architecture designed to stop unhoused people from inhabiting public space - from actual spikes on public grounds, to iron obstacles on benches which prevent stretching out, and concrete barriers in underpasses. Instead of surrendering to the corners of our consciousness, to the physical edges of our city, the illuminated figure boldly sleeps above the spikes, demanding an intersection with us.
Materials for this installation were sustainably sourced (repurposed, collected, found).
CREDITS
Creators:
Anthony Chapin + Erin Lavelle
Presenter:
No Loitering! was in the group exhibition Intersection: Made Here presented by Hennepin Theatre Trust
Special Thanks:
Sarah Chapman, Angel DeWolf and James Orione for transportation and installation assistance.