Public Art

STRANGERS SHAKING HANDS: Los Angeles, California

Outdoor shopping malls are sites of community gathering and recreation where shoppers participate side by side in the act of consumerism. Ironically, one can be surrounded by thousands of people at a shopping mall, and yet still feel isolated and alone. Strangers Shaking Hands was an intervention into this social configuration: strangers were invited to shake hands and introduce themselves to someone new. As it turns out, most people I asked were willing participants and seemed to appreciate a moment of human connection.
(Photos by Razi Wilson)

WORLDLY BELONGINGS: Portland, Oregon and Muscat, Oman

American media consistently promotes negative, one-dimension images of people from Muslim majority nations. In this project I asked students from Portland State University, and students from the Sultan Qaboos University, to each share one object that was important to them, and to explain why that object had personal meaning. My belief is that personal story sharing can encourage intercultural understanding and solidarity.

THIS TOO SHALL PASS: several states and countries

In a traditional Judeo-Christian story, King Solomon asked a wise man to bring him something that could make him appreciate good times, and feel consoled during difficult times. The wise man brought him a ring with the inscription "this too shall pass," a reminder of the ephemeral nature of each passing moment. I designed a small laser-cut talisman with this saying and for a few years I placed it in random places: inspirational quote meets street art.

COOL GLOBES: Chicago and Washington D.C.

In 2007 I was selected to contribute to a nationally acclaimed public art exhibit in Chicago titled “Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet.” The globe I designed was placed outside along Lake Michigan, and eventually traveled onto Washington D.C. as part of a smaller segment of the Chicago exhibit. My globe focused on unity between diverse peoples as a pathway towards environmental healing. Through justice and unity the world's people can come together to solve our difficult, shared environmental problems.