…Or does it explode?

Dread Scott collaborated in summer 2008 with ArtWorks! youth to create a site-specific outdoor installation entitled “ . . . Or does it explode?” The installation consists of twelve human-sized lightboxes placed directly on the ground and illuminated to show full-body self-portraits of the youth participants. The photographs are complemented by audio of the adolescents articulating their hopes and dreams as well as discussing obstacles and challenges to those aspirations. Inspired by Langston Hughes’ poem, Harlem – in particular, the opening line “What happens to a dream deferred . . .” – Mr. Scott and the students imagined, voiced, and visualized their own hopes and dreams. Moreover, participating students gained new insights into their own personal situations and life experiences. Their participation in the creation of a non-traditional public artwork provided them with the opportunity to acquire new art-making skills, such as creating a blog with audio soundscapes, videography, and photography portraits.

Because this project includes both audio and visual components, it explores ways in which art can create a forum for youth, adults, and community stakeholders to “hear” each other as well as contribute to the debate that surrounds gun violence. The Mural Arts Program has identified Logan Square as an outstanding site because it is a walkway to Family Court for those who have been impacted by gun violence including survivors, children’s advocates, the faith and law-enforcement communities, and community-based organizations committed to reducing violence in the city.

The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program is deeply committed to grappling with issues of concern to the citizens of Philadelphia and, in particular, the city’s increase in violence. The Mural Arts Program feels strongly that working with an artist of Dread Scott’s stature – who comes to us with a national reputation and history of dealing with social issues – will help Mural Arts Program and the diverse communities of Philadelphia broaden and deepen our thinking, ability, and commitment to use the arts as a tool for social change, to build and strengthen communities, and enhance civic dialogue. Both the Mural Arts Program and Mr. Scott see this project as an opportunity to catalyze positive activity around violence reduction, to bring together disparate groups whose paths would not have crossed, and to raise consciousness about the issue of juvenile violence. We hope to use this project to get Philadelphians to speak with a collective voice that we do not accept violence against our children.

Dread Scott makes revolutionary art to propel history forward. His work received national notice in 1989 over its use of the American flag and he has since been exhibited at the Whitney Museum and other venues across the country. For further information, visit http://www.dreadscott.net/