LIC artist works with DOT for art installation on the Pulaski Bridge

Joel Voisard’s ‘Bridge that Binds’ stencil graphics on the Pulaski Bridge

Long Island City 3-D artist Joel Voisard held a press conference yesterday evening for his art installation on the Pulaski Bridge, ‘Bridge that Binds.’ Voisard worked with the Queens committee of Transportation Alternatives in partnership with the NYC Department of Transportation’s Urban Art Program to create stencil graphics along the divider of the pedestrian/bike path, and also a bench-like wooden structure at the center of the bridge between Greenpoint and Long Island City to symbolize the meeting of the two communities.

LIC artist Joel Voisard with his ‘Bridge that Binds’ Pulaski Bridge installation

The DOT’s Urban Art Program is “an initiative to invigorate the City’s streetscapes with engaging temporary art installations,” and Voisard’s Pulaski art brings this to life while invoking the spirit of the two separate communities the bridge links, as well as the commonality of Newtown Creek to both areas.

Joel Voisard’s ‘Bridge that Binds’ stencil graphics on the Pulaski Bridge

“The once-empty space overlooking Newtown Creek and the Manhattan skyline has been transformed into a gathering space for residents of both boroughs, complete with a bench made from reclaimed lumber which echoes Newtown Creek’s past and present as working waterfront. The project includes a series of silhouettes expressing, gesturing and performing different actions like walking and riding bikes along the pedestrian path to a meeting point at the center of the bridge. Stencils extending from the Queens side are colored in maroon, inspired by the No. 7 train logo, while those from the Brooklyn side are green in honor of the G-train.”

• Voisard 3Design [Website]
• NYC DOT [Website]
• DOT’s Urban Art Program [Website]
• Press Release for Joel Voisard’s art installation on the Pulaski Bridge [PDF]

posted by Audrey Dimola