Large-Scale Mural Arts Project Aims To Catch Rail Commuters' Attention
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A large-scale public artwork in Philadelphia is offering folks who ride the rails new and different views of objects they've regularly passed, but not really seen in the same light -- and color. It's the latest installation in the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program.
Visual artist Katharina Grosse and her team used her signature spray-paint technique to spread intense color at 7 sites she calls 'psychylustro.'
"The warehouse, the hut, the trees, the bridge, the wall -- they're iconic in our lives."
On a typical day, nearly 34,000 riders along a stretch from North Philadelphia to 30th Street -- on Amtrak, SEPTA and NJT -- will view them framed through the windows of moving trains.
"I wanted something very artificial that would pop out. Orange does, pink does and so does artificial green."
Project curator Elizabeth Thomas says 'psychylustro' is a vivid 'flash of color.'
"Most of the photographs look like they've been Photoshopped, actually. Everyone I've talked to thinks it's impossible and unreal."
The temporary installation will transform over time, as the elements reclaim the space.