Cool Hunting

by Ariston Anderson

The petit Pratt graduate, Swoon has quickly climbed through the ranks of street art and has raised the bar by using art as politics. She has become a mainstay at the likes of Deitch, MoMA and the Brooklyn Museum of Art, however her latest project might be her biggest yet. With the backing of Deitch, Swoon recently launched "Swimming Cities of Switchback Sea," a two-part exhibit merging her latest portraits and a sculptural floating city. She also collaborated with OBIE award-winning playwright Lisa D'Amour to bring a series of performances to various stops along the Hudson River forming a multi-dimensional traveling exhibit of sorts.

Swoon's work is not just about wheatpaste anymore—although we still love the Swoon wheatpaste whenever we can get it. Her work these days is more about community building and a call for change. With this latest work, Swoon highlights one of the most important issues of our generation, alternative energy. Each of the seven boats, which are crafted out of salvaged materials, are fueled on various alternative energy sources, including biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen and solar power. The whole fleet will be welcomed at Deitch Studios in Long Island City, 7 September 2008, and opens to the public the same day. Be sure to get there early to witness the flotilla coming into bay, a vision that can only be brought to us by Swoon herself. Visit Switchback Sea for more info.

Swimming Cities of the Switchback Sea, Opening Reception
September 7, 2008, 6-9pm at Deitch Studios
4-40 44th Drive
Long Island City, NY 11101 map

via todseelie