For Closure

In West Farms Square there is a new sculpture titled “For Closure” by artist Gabriela Salazar. It is a 26-feet-tall artwork made from locally salvaged doors and resembles a house of cards.

I ran into these young women and asked them to pose for me. And they were just A*W*E*S*O*M*E. You will see more photos with these DIVAS but before that here is some history of the Artwork.

I took the following excerpt from the artist’s website:

It is meant to represent the fragility of the housing market.

“A lot of people already talk about financial collapse so I don’t necessarily expect the piece is going to bring more attention to that, but I do hope it humanizes that experience a little bit, reminds people that all these homes are actual people’s lives,” said artist Gabriela Salazar

The temporary art work was brought in through a partnership between the Bronx River Art Center and the Department of Transportation’s Urban Art Program.

“For Closure” will be on display for seven months.

I think “For Closure” is in the perfect spot. I see my neighborhood changing everyday. So many businesses are closing down and there is an increase of homelessness in the Bronx. Homes are going up everywhere but it seems more are moving out of the neighborhood than moving in.

Just this week when I was passing out ‘Saving Kayton’s‘ flyers, I ran into a mother with three children who asked me about helping her find an apartment. She seemed very desperate.

Speaking of  ‘Saving Kayton’s‘ I am still working on the project. I spoke to Bronx officials and emailed friends and family hoping for the story to fall into the right person’s hands…now we just have to wait. It’s sad that we have to fight so hard for a store with such history and good quality to stay in our neighborhood. However, if landlords don’t care enough  about single mothers with children then why would they care about a store?!

Best Friends

Artist: Gabriela Salazar

Sculpture: “For Closure”

Models: Elizabeth, Tiffany, Eva, Deborah

Best Friends

Artist: Gabriela Salazar

Sculpture: “For Closure”

Models:

Tiffany Sarpong

Eva

Nana

Rachel

Elizabeth

Deborah

Erina

Best Friends

Artist: Gabriela Salazar

Sculpture: “For Closure”

Models: Nana & Elizabeth

Kofi

This is Kofi. His name means Friday in his language.

He’s from Ghana.

I think men from Africa can dress very well. Their style is boss.

Without trying much, they make all heads turn.

African Men.

Sam

While waiting for the train, I started to photograph my brother. I like his style.

He has on a vintage coat given to him by my dad which I think brings out his outfit.

Look at the way he is wearing his hat.

Trouble

Okay, so originally, I saw this guy…whose name is Trouble….in a picture before I took the picture.

The train was really crowed and amongst the crowd he stood out with his sun glasses and yellow tee. I should have picked up my camera then to take a photo but I didn’t. I waited and waited and when I finally took the picture, it didn’t come out the way I expected too. I wanted a candid shot but it came out the complete opposite.

Anyways, the good thing is I got to meet him. His birth name is not Trouble. He’s a musician with a band. His stage name is Trouble and his band name is Durty Boy ‘n Da Runch Buikets  (I hope I spelled everything right).  He seemed pretty excited about me taking his photo. So excited that I regret waiting so long to put the camera to my face. Sometimes you just need a little more faith.