36.
Bibiana Huang Matheis
Heart@HudsonRiver
Bibiana Huang Matheis
Heart@HudsonRiver
- Painted discarded plastic, plastic mesh, zip-ties, wires
- 16 ft. x 16 ft. x 3 ft. to 18ft x 18 ft x3 ft – approximately 50 lb
Project Objectives
Bibiana Huang Matheis will create an environmental art installation/performance titled “Heart@HudsonRiver” as part of the larger exhibition “Address Earth Art Expo.” “Heart@HudsonRiver” focuses on drawing attention to the overall environment and particularly the Hudson River. She will construct a giant heart made entirely of plastic trash, with paintings on bottles, food containers and other plastic waste. The project will be visible to the public from bridges and along the east side of the Hudson River.
An equally important objective is to symbolically connect and create indirect cooperation between the Lyndhurst in Tarrytown and the Hudson Valley Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Peekskill, as both are important institutions in the Hudson Valley that are exhibiting artwork as part of “Address Earth Art Expo,” curated by Bibiana Huang Matheis under the auspices of the Inspiration Art Group International.
The giant heart will float down the Hudson from Poughkeepsie to Irvington, tugged by a sailboat. It will pass by 40 public parks, 7 historic sites, under 5 bridges, along 33 miles of River Walk. It will stop in Peekskill at the waterfront park, where there will be associated music and poetry, as well as sustainability statements. The crowd will also be encouraged to view the new sculptures and new murals placed in the park by Hudson Valley MOCA. The sailboat, which will tug the artwork, will proceed past the Lyndhurst and finally dock in Irvington. Spectators will be able to view the art as it passes. Afterwards, the Heart@HudsonRiver artwork will be installed in the greenhouse at the Lyndhurst, where it will be on display until October 2024.
Facts about the Heart Sculpture
The perceived location is in the center of the greenhouse, over the center of the brick circle. The heart is made of painted discarded plastic and plastic mesh, connected with zip ties and wire. The approximate size will be 16 ft. x 16 ft. x 3 ft. Weight will be approximately 50 lb. The heart will hook to the main support beam of the greenhouse with carabiners.
Social And Environmental Impact
The performance/installation art is accompanied by consistent, positive messaging: “Love the river, love the earth we share. Don’t throw away plastic irresponsibly. Recycle.” The community and social impact is in direct support of the longtime local activities to restore and clean the Hudson river. The environmental impact of plastic pollution is documented from both a scientific and local impact perspective. We are buried in plastic waste and we are polluting our communities and waterways. Yet, the US packaging and bottling industry makes it almost impossible to live without petroleum plastics.
Public Engagement
“Heart@HudsonRiver” is all about public engagement. It communicates a positive message: “Love the river.” That translates to a call for individual self-responsibility and environmental consciousness. This project centers around the community. Public engagement starts with the creation of artwork made of plastic waste. The group of artists is all local residents of the Hudson Valley region, comprised of a diverse group of all ages, sexual orientations, religions, ethnicity, and races.