Some Interesting Art Pieces From a Community Garden

[tekisui]

From one of the Community Gardens I have been studying, the organizer does some very interesting concept pieces. Using salvaged items, he puts them together in a way that will draw you in. At first the style is hard to understand. I have to spend time looking at the pieces to unfold the meaning. Photographing them proved a difficult task, they are large and detailed. Here are a few shots that I though were able to scrape some of the meaning. They deal with social justice issues, racism, war, capitalism and more....



Notice the GI Joe's carving money out of the dead eagle. In the background their is an old picture of an innocent looking boy staring out a window of bars. This is only a fraction of this piece.







This piece has many figurines or action figures depicting African-Americans from various times in history. They are all in a cage. Some of the figures are basketball stars, looking like they are trying to dunk their way out.

[Celebration]

1. Thanks

I love these. Are they always outside? Because some of them don't look that weather resistant.

As somewhat of an aside, I would say to *fix* the problem with schools, we need MORE music, and MORE art. I would hope that school kids would be able to visit these pieces and then go discuss them.

[tekisui]

2. They are outside. Some of the older pieces are quite weathered.

I am not sure the artist is concerned with the pieces lasting forever. He is an interesting guy.

[Callalily]

3. These truly are interesting,

and wonderful too! I'm glad that you took the time and effort to chronicle the artists work, even though a difficult task. My hat is off to you.

It would be interesting to get the artists slant/viewpoint/inspiration on these pieces. I suspect the stories are very colorful.

[Mira]

4. After looking at them a few times, I'm still not able to make real connections

with my own experiences and views. I would like to know where these installations are, so I can make a point to go see them next time I'm in Asheville.
Your work is stellar in bringing them to us, and I really appreciate your effort to do it.

[tekisui]

6. They are behind(part of) the Burton St. Peace Garden.

A road parallels Burton St, behind the rec center. The garden is there. The artist told me he wishes he could read minds when he sees people looking at the pieces. Then, he thought for a second and said, 'Nah, I don't think I'd want to know'.

I had a yard sale, and cleaned out my basement. But, before I took the leftovers to goodwill, I ran them by him and let him pick it over. He took a lot of things to put towards art or the garden.

[Mira]

7. YOu are too cool, tekisui. I'm proud to "know" you. And thanks for the info.

I'll check it out soon, it's time to visit my number one son who lives in Asheville.

[JeffR]

5. These are very intriguing.

Thanks for sharing these shots.