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Intersection: Road Signs and Public Art - Coggle Diagram
Intersection: Road Signs and Public Art
Albuquerque's historical context
Rest between L.A. and Chicago
Rt 66 motels
Rt 66 and BNSF Railroad track intersection, and modern I-25 and I-40 intersection
Native American, Mexican, and U.S. frontier trade routes
Orientation and Direction in ABQ
Problem: getting lost at crossroads, no clear markers
Motel signage as an important feature of navigation
Facets of road signage
Less permanent than gov infrastructure- businesses go bankrupt
Often have unique construction, not one-size-fits-all
Can be made out of many different materials: metals, composites, plastics, concrete, etc.
Mid-century and other less modern signs were not understood to be reused, hence the difficulties at adaptation
Often made of high quality materials
Road signs as public art
Friends of the Orphan Signs (FOS of ABQ): nonprofit working with groups in the community to revitalize and display art on signs
High schoolers
New Life Homes: Incarcerated people and those in rehab
"Empty road signs as sites for public art provide a unique opportunity to model an inclusive public art approach that also values historic continuity, a palimpsest of sorts that leaves traces of the past as well as room for new eruptions."
Importance of community involvement and collaboration
Art themes emerging from collaboration or existing features of signs. Collection of influences and input from around the community.
Focus on public memory. "Seeing these familiar signs continually revitalized with vibrant new imagery can reassure communities that connections to the past can be maintained at the same time that new perspectives are considered."
Array of governmental and private funding
Road sign use and experience
Not neutral- direct communication to public in motion, usually about wayfinding, advertising, or PSAs
Art elbowing itself into everyday activities and surroundings
Reception
FOS Compiles anecdotal evidence of public interest in these projects
Lingering video shot of The Reviver sign was featured on Anthony Bourdain’s Albuquerque episode of Parts Unknown.
Interest in FOS artists from journalists and invitation to art exhibitions