Art in Odd Places (AiOP) 2015: RECALL is our 11th year and all about looking back at the artists and projects that made these festivals possible over the years. For RECALL, AiOP has invited back over forty artists to either present their original work or produce a completely new one that explore artworks in all disciplines outside the confines of traditional public space regulations. As we gear up for the festival next month, here is a preview of some of the works people can expect to see along 14th Street in October.
Name
Skowmon Hastanan
Project Title
Orchid Clinic, 2015
Project Description
Free demonstration and consultation on growing orchids at the Union Square Greenmarket will be given by Skowmon Hastanan. She will be working alongside flower vendors, and setting-up an information table with orchid care information and reference books. Growing orchids has been her passion for the past 30 years. She occasionally accepts and rescues unwanted orchids; at times there are between eighty to one hundred plants in her home. This personal pursuit is a continuation of her “Homesick” art series, a nostalgic reminder of her tropical home in Thailand. You are invited to bring your orchid for troubleshooting.
Orchid Clinic at Union Square Greenmarket. Photo Credit: Skowmon Hastanan
Link to past AiOP blog
http://www.artinoddplaces.org/2012/artist.php?subj=220
What was the first AiOP festival that you participated in?
MODEL, 2012
How do you feel about returning to AiOP to participate in this anniversary festival?
I am super excited and looking forward to participating in this anniversary festival, and to work with Sara Reisman and Kendal Henry. “Orchid Clinic” will be taking place at Union Square Greenmarket. This project is adding a new experience for me: changing my role from a shopper to a more active participant within the Greenmarket community. While helping orchid enthusiast towards keeping plant alive beyond fading of flowers, I look forward to personal interactions with the market shoppers, the vendors, and GrowNYC crews.
Why is 14th Street a compelling site for creative response?
Fourteen Street Union Square Greenmarket, where there are thousands of people visiting each day, is the perfect location for this site-specific project “Orchid Clinic”. GrowNYC Greenmarket is providing a table where I will be giving free consultations and demonstrations on orchid care alongside two flower vendors.
Friday October 9, 2015 with Pet-al Plants and Fantastic Gardens, from 11 am to 1 pm
Saturday October 10, 2015 with Silva Orchids, from 12 noon to 3 pm
Are you presenting the same project as last time? If so, how has it changed or evolved?
I am presenting new project. “Orchid Clinic was the original idea for MODEL 2012, however the timing was too short for approval by GrowNYC.
How does your prior experience with AiOP influence your approach to this year’s festival?
The previous project was a neon light installation at Artie’s Hardware. The experience was too remote, and I was not fully participating or taking advantage of the unique nature of AiOP’s festival. This time I will be situated at the center of a busy commerce, personally interacting with the public, and participating in the Greenmarket experience.
If presenting a new piece, why did you decide on something new?
As an amateur orchidist, this “new” original project is about my personal interests, recalling memory of my family in Thailand, where everyone grows orchid in the garden.
What reactions did you get the last time you staged your work on 14th Street?
The neon storefront installation generated no feedback, and no interactions with anyone.
What reactions are you hoping to draw from the public this time?
I am don’t know what to expect from the public, but I am hoping to be helpful in someways.
Skowmon Hastanan was born in Thailand, lives in The Bronx. She creates various medium works on Diaspora theme. Her recent projects are an artist-in-residence-interdisciplinary performance for Penn Museum, an installation for No Longer Empty at the old Bronx Courthouse, and an exhibition at the Drawing Center.
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