Sign-In

Sign-In

Sign-In consists of a crowd of up to 60 unique, double-faced street signs on 30 poles, all gathered together outside City Hall in a grouping that suggests an assembly of people. Though in most ways(fonts, graphics, colors, dimensions) these signs resemble standard street signs, their verbiage sets them apart from the norm. Each features one or more unique short phrases led by the words “we” or “they.” Under normal circumstances, the pull of such oppositional language tacitly urges the reader to choose one side or the other: are you one of us, or one of them? In the context of Sign-In, however, this language produces the opposite effect: rather than being tacitly persuasive, it is obviously absurd and playful. So, instead of pointing viewers left or right like the standard street sign (or the standard political harangue), Sign-In’s use of binary language works to reveal the senselessness of limiting our choices to such narrow fields. This artwork would use articles from the Providence Journal to create a locally sourced, absurdist play of voices in the heart of Downtown. It will attract viewers not only for its whimsical grouping of signs but also for the unorthodox messages its signs convey. It will furthermore offer different messaging experiences depending on the viewer’s angle of approach: i.e. the viewer may see “we” messages write large when approaching from one direction, while “they” messages dominate from another). And because its signs are made from standard issue, reflective signage material, Sign-In will be easily visible day or night without need for electricity.

Area C Projects (Erik Carlson and Erika Carpenter)

2019

Sculpture; 3M reflective aluminum, pressure-treated plywood base

25 Dorrance Street

2x 16'x12' grids; 18"x12" sign dimension; 4' - 8' above the sidewalk

$10,000

General Fund

https://www.areacprojects.com/

Unknown

PVDFest Public Art