SUCCESSION: The Exchange Project is a site specific multidisciplinary social engagement installation about the physical and social dynamics of Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood. It was exhibited at Gallery 4Culture from January 7 – 28, 2016. The project was created in various locations such as a barn, an old trailer, a residency in New York, two community engagement workshops, in relationships, on the streets and sidewalks of Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood, and during a one month generative residency at Gallery 4Culture. To read more about the concept of the project, to see the video US THEM WE pairing homeless and art community members, or learn about the community engagement workshops please go to the main Succession menu.
INCLUDED IN THE INSTALLATION:
Succession
Family tree drawings collected from de la Vega’s family, friends and colleagues are rendered in red electrical tape on the walls and floor of the gallery. This immersive installation references the conductivity of bloodlines, history, and the artist’s own sense of place within her community.
Us Them We
A single-channel video depicts the paired exchange between 33 homeless and arts community members who share the Pioneer Square neighborhood. Simple choreographed gestures encourage contact and serve as an exercise in seeing, shifting contexts, and humanizing polarities.
Place Bowls
Wall mounted sculptural vessels created in workshops at the Recovery Cafe and Union Gospel Mission speak to the makers’ sense of place in the world.
Small Ground
A metaphoric tent dwelling features stories written by Union Gospel Mission guests, Recovery Café members, and local artists. The sculpture was constructed in consult with Nickelsville community members.
From One to Another
Inspired by the story of Patricia Ledesma who uprooted her entire garden of plants for the Tashiro Kaplan Artist Lofts rooftop garden when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, this kinetic sculpture moves and reverberates with shimmering sound when touched.
SUCCESSION: The Exchange Project was created with generous support from a King County 4Culture Arts Projects Grant and partial funding from the Seattle Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs.
