www.timeout.com: Giant origami-inspired sculptures now decorate Broadway, bringing a child-like whimsy to the Garment District.
The installation, entitled "Hacer: Transformations," features seven massive paper-like animals: two dark turquoise coyotes, two medium turquoise rabbits, a magenta elephant, a yellow dog and a green bear cub.
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I just read this wonderful book called Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness By Ingrid Fetell Lee. It describes the impact that principles and elements of design have on our psyche. She specifically mentions color our associations to past memories and connecting feelings to colors allow it to have power. For example in this piece, these bright neon colors invoke a stimulus of our brain that reminds us of highly saturated toys given to us on birthdays or bright cartoons that remind us of the abundance of joy in our youth. The subjects of playful animals like dogs, elephants, and dogs are associated by societal lenses to be happy figures, like stuffed animals. That color and subject coupled with these playful shapes and geometric designs really plays into Hacer’s vision. I really enjoyed the story behind Hacer’s work, but I also wish he would have recognized the cultural importance to Japanese and many other East Asian cultures.
I think these are beautiful. Especially during the pandemic, it is nice to see art that is outside and would be safe to look at and explore. I also think these large colorful outdoor sculptures will allow people to experience art that maybe didn’t think they were interested and would not have bought a ticket to go see an exhibit or go to a museum. I think public sculptures are a great way to allow everyone to experience art. These are also so whimsical and fun that that they will draw a lot of attention I think. Considering their goal was to make this area “welcoming and enjoyable” I think they will succeed. I find it enjoyable to just look at pictures of these, so I can only imagine that anyone who sees them in person will find it enjoyable. They also mention that they want people to come and take pictures with them. That is definitely something we see more now that people create art to have photos taken of it, rather than creating art to have people look at it.
First off, I am obsessed with the artist’s name: Hacer– which translates from Spanish to English as “to make”. Second of all, I believe, the giant origami art installation addresses an aspect of creation we tend to overlook, the concept of play. While simple in nature, Hacer describes his work as a “dynamic response” to “childhood”. Being his first large-scale installation on the East Coast, Hacer’s work “brings cheer and optimism to the heart of New York City,” said Emmanuel Fremin, owner of Fremin Gallery. Now, the significance of this relies on its transcendental nature. As young theatre practitioners, we must never forget to enjoy and rejoice in the work we create. It is, therefore, important to note this is definitely easier said than done. I mean, we’re at a school where we unarguable strive to achieve perfection and obtain the best possible results. However, just like Hacer highlights with his unique exhibition, we must never forget to play.
Sophia Coscia- I adore the concept behind this colorful installation! It is playful and whimsical and exactly what the world needs right now. A reminder that we can start anew is touching. Hacer’s work has a very unique perspective. I think it is pretty common for artists to relate childhood trauma to their work. However, it is rare to see someone put such a positive spin on it. We need more public art like Hacer’s. Especially, in a time when people need to feel connected with each other. With this installation, many people can be brought together safely in an outdoor space. Public art is something we have seen a lot of through COVID-19. I think it solves many accessibility issues and should be something we see more of moving forward. In a vibrant area, like the garment district I am sure Hacer’s origami statues are admired and appreciated by many.
I think it’s so important for art to be publicly funded and accessible, so the fact that the city has made this exhibit a budget priority is very interesting and exciting to me. I also love the concept of the exhibit in that it is supposed to allow the audience to enjoy the feeling of childhood. The fact that the artist had a hard childhood and channels that through whimsical, dynamic sculpture is fascinating. The exhibit is also outside, which not only makes it more safe for COVID, but also more accessible and more likely to be enjoyed by the general public and not just the people with the time, money, and motivation to seek out art galleries. I hope that more cities, especially small cities that are not as known for their rich art scene as New York will continue to do exhibits like this; fun, accessible, free, and with a message.
While I would never describe myself as either the most artistic person ever, or even someone who is extremely interested in art, public "street" art always fascinated me. I not exactly sure if it is the art itself, or just the overall concept. Looking at something like an art museum, just never was my thing. I often found them to be overpriced and just not that exciting or interesting. Maybe it is just too much art for me at once. I find myself getting bored very quickly in most art museums. When it comes to "street" art, that is not the case. I think art that is staged on street corners, in parks, or in other public places add the beauty the area already may have. It offers an point of interest for those walking by. It is surprising as often you may be seeing it out of nowhere, or at least you didn't plan to go see it like you would a museum. For all these reasons, I am extremely fascinated by these pieces of origami inspired art.
I really love doing origami and I’ve been doing it since I was really little. Since the pandemic started I’m often folding little post-it note frogs whenever I need something to with my hands to help pay attention in class. I think the sculptures are really fun things to have installed and I wish they could be around longer than the end of november. I am kind of surprised that Hacer didn’t make a crane since that’s probably the most iconic origami piece; but then again maybe that would seem like too much of an obvious choice. Or too complicated for the type of fabrication process hee uses? Or perhaps the animals he chose to represent have significance to his own life. Anyway, it’s nice seeing public art like this. It’s cool that even though Hacer relates these pieces back to his difficult childhood, these are still so whimsical and nice.
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