Dynamic Subspace

Category: Art

Solar-Powered Tombstone, a Technologized Memorial

I gave my respects to the Bakalises after I saw this fine monument to them in Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. Installed on a small hill, its solar cells on the two short sides are what attracted my attention on a recent walk.

My guess is that the cells charge batteries during the day, which in turn power a light from within the cross cut into the headstone at night. As this is a fair walk away from where I live, I haven’t seen it from 5th Avenue in the dark (the cemetery is closed at night).

While there are larger memorials and mausoleums in the cemetery, I have a lot of respect for the thought and engineering that went into creating this one for the Bakalises.

May 15, 2024
Naming the Lost Memorial (NTLM) at Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn: Remembering Those Struck Down by COVID-19

At the 5th Avenue Main Entrance to Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York, there are impressive memorials created by folks in the community to remember those who were lost due to COVID-19 and recognize those still suffering from Long COVID.

The installation is called Naming the Lost, and it will be up through May 29, 2024. I am including photos below, but it is far more impressive to see in person. The work that these people put into this is a testament to their love and grief. It also points to the disproportionate effect of the virus on our densely populated urban environment–in terms of infection rates, mortality, messaging, and disruption.

May 13, 2024
The Duck House in Kent, Ohio

There’s a house on Stow Road in Kent, Ohio that has a ceramic duck in front of it. Normally, this would be nondescript. However, these fine people are kind enough to keep their ceramic duck clothed year round. When I was a graduate student, he wore many different outfits–from suits to puffer jackets. When I was in Kent a few weeks ago visiting my dissertation director Mack Hassler, I drove by the Duck House to see if they were keeping up the tradition, and I was very happy to learn that they are! On that sunny day, the duck was dressed up like Barney the Dinosaur.

May 10, 2024
Remember to Look Up if You Are Down Low for Norman Mailer Street Art

This street art mural referencing Norman Mailer and his essay “The Faith of Graffiti” from Esquire (May 1974) can be seen from a low angle on Third Avenue, but it is probably even nicer at eye-level (albeit for only a moment at speed) from a car cruising down the raised I-278. Randy Kennedy writes in The New York Times (Oct. 26, 2010) with more info about the artists responsible for it who are known collectively as Slavery.

May 9, 2024
Tiny Flower, Big Bulldozer

When I visited my folks a few weeks back, I saw this tiny flower of the Wahlenbergia genus poking out from behind part of my dad’s Allis-Chalmers HD10 bulldozer.

The Allis-Chalmers HD10 is a mid-century crawler that can have put in decades of service with proper care and maintenance. This HD10 has been parked for a few years, but it should be fire up with a new battery and minimal work.

May 8, 2024