In 2001, Pawel Althamer built a tree house in the heart of urban Warsaw. That same year, he interrupted a lecture he was giving and led the audience on a walk through the streets of the Polish capital. At the end, he informed that some of the passersby were hired actors who had orchestrated the experience. Althamer likes to combine visual experience with active participation from his observers. This sculptor and performance artist (video, installation, action) also likes to play with relocation of context. Currently, he is re-assembling his monumental, mixed-media piece Queen Mother of Reality at Socrates Sculpture Park. The larger-than-life figure is dedicated to — and inspired by —Queen Mother Delois Blakely, a U.S. Ambassador of Goodwill to Africa, whom Mayor Rudolph Giuliani swore in as “Community Mayor of Harlem” in 1995. The figure is supposed to bring attention to the Blakely’s pet cause: New York City’s displaced and homeless population. It will be at the Long Island City public space through August 3rd, but there will be an opening on May 11, featuring art workshops presented by the Minor Miracles Foundation and an experimental social project, Nails Across America, by artist Breanne Trammell. More Queen Mother-related programming is being planned for the summer.
Details: Queen Mother of Reality, Socrates Sculpture Park, 32-01 Vernon Boulevard, LIC, currently on view, but officially on display May 11th through August 3rd, free. Opening party on May 11th, 2 pm to 6 pm.
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