Passing Through

April 27, 2012 at 5:09 AM · Filed under New Thoughts!

This is my latest work of art. This past month, I was invited to participate in a project called 10×10, which was presented in part with HATCH a week-long presentation of art in Chattanooga. 10×10 was organized and presented by MakeWork.

I created an artwork “Artifact” based on a historic site in Chattanooga. The site was the former place of Hotel Martin, which was one of the most prominent hotel in the south in the early nineties. Major African-American musicians, sports players, army men, and civic leaders stayed in this hotel while passing through or performing in the southern regions. Tennessee declared the site a historic landmark referencing it as a significant contribution to the state and its rich cultural history. I was proud to be one of ten artists chosen to create MakeWork’s first artifact series. 

 

“Passing Through” is a dedication artwork to Hotel Martin and its history. It is presented as a wooden labyrinth in the shape of the hotel’s sign. The dimension is approx 40ft(W) x 30ft(H) with a 12in walking path. The artwork serves as a functional walking path representing the hotel’s history. At the center of the labyrinth is a sculpture which represents the hotel history and celebrates the life of Mayme Martin, who managed the hotel for over 60 years. The center sculpture is made of aluminum and titled “The Position of Momentum” These two works was on display from April 16 – 22.

 

I’m seeking future placement of both works as one or presented apart. The story of the hotel will travel with both works, and hopefully will spread the word about Hotel Martin and its contribution to Chattanooga’s historical identity.

 

 

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