Reading the Streets: Williamsburg Bridge Paper Project
Tom Hoepf
Painted ovals by Baja Lives! The setting sun only enhances the color scheme. Photo by Kelsey Savage Hays. NEW YORK – It’s been a while since I’ve run or biked the Williamsburg Bridge, but I went last night for a ride. These colorful ovals, creating a funnel-like image, caught my attention as I approached the city on the blessed downhill ramp. At first, I thought they were ceramic tiles, but in fact, the art installation is made of paper. Called The Bridge Comes Alive, it is one of the ongoing, collaborative public art creations by a group of artists that go by Baji Lives! More of their dots can be found at 20 Jay St., where they form a trailing kite, and 15 Rivington St., where they make an abstract design.
Baja Lives! successfully installed the rainbow shapes on a night a few weeks ago—just a couple of artists, a ladder, and their bikes. Now the creation brightens the way of commuters making their way into the city—funny how a relatively simple and inexpensive project (painted and cut paper, after all) can be so beautiful.
Painted ovals by Baja Lives! The setting sun only enhances the color scheme. Photo by Kelsey Savage Hays.The dots appear only to those approaching Manhattan. Photo by Kelsey Savage Hays.The shape of the dots mimics the windows on the buildings lining the end of the bridge. Photo by Kelsey Savage Hays.
