NY City of Optimism :
Assignment topic
A twenty picture series of photographs taken in NYC that give directions or tell what to do.
Introductory thoughts
For my choice of assignment topic, I wanted to challenge myself and what I see in public space. I regarded this assignment for an opportunity to look underneath the surface of immediate urban sign and messages in New York. The City sure communicates to be a bossy and hectic urban arena full of restrictions and warnings. Every day I notice signs of this character that guide me through my urban life. However, New York is more than the city of regulations that never sleeps, and I went looking for signs that unveil the other character. In my scouting for signs, I paid particular attention to those that give me directions on a different level of meaning that I, when I think about it, take into much deeper account. These kinds of signs communicate directions on a more abstract level of meaning and shape the city dynamic as a never sleeping heartbeat of optimism. In my oppinion, the signs of this character unveil the sincere nature of the city. They characterize the flows that stimulate myself and New York city inhabitants in our everyday practices that send back energy to the development of the city in return. NY City of Optimism
Slide 3:
Method
I allowed a more freely interpretation of the notion of “sign”, in order to look for the urban meanings that might not appear evident. This has resulted in a choice of theme, linking my photos, that is based on interpretation and imagination rather than literal decoding of words and messages.
Theme concept
I have collected my thoughts and discoveries in the theme:
“NY City of Optimism”
The result is a collection of signs, photographed in their environments as I interpret the meaning that each of them provide in contributing to the city sphere with directions and guidelines on how to maintain quality in one’s urban life. Together, these signs constitute New York as a city of optimism.
Slide 11:
Accepted Here
Slide 13:
Do Not Block
Saint Peter’s Church
Slide 14:
A Different 10th Ave
Optimist Guidelines :
Optimist Guidelines
Slide 25:
Have a nice day!