Tag: Detroit

Papaya and Tomatoes – Kbaumlier Images on a Billboard in Detroit, MI

Papaya and Tomatoes – Kbaumlier Images on a Billboard in Detroit, MI

Posted on by Kbaumlier

Earlier this summer, I participated in the Digital Billboard Art Project, a project where artists can submit images to be displayed on a public digital billboard.  I had 45 images in the show that were shown on a billboard near a highway in the Detroit Metro area (Macomb County), MI.  The images were of food – in both abstract and recognizable views, combined with words and slogans often used by advertisers to promote packaged food.  A tomato with the word “SAME GREAT TASTE,” a papaya with the words “50% LESS FAT*” and images of rice, soybeans, a peach, and cheese were in the series.

Each of the foods in the series has a unique story related to genetic engineering or modern farming practices.  I was interested to be part of this show since it was in Detroit, a city which is facing challenges of food access and food equity.

The images from the show are now up on flickr, and there is a new video of the billboard, which shows the images in a slideshow timed video.  It is interesting to see how the images appear in the context of being in public on the street.

The Billboard Art Project is a project that acquires digital billboards normally used for advertising and repurposes them as roadside galleries – showing images from artists. Types of work that may be displayed include images created specifically for the billboard as well as images of previously made art adapted to the format. No two Billboard Art Project shows are alike; each city features new work.

This year upcoming shows included other locations such as Richmond, VA; Salem, OR; Albany, NY, and Atlanta, GA.  The Detroit show was unique in that the images were up for a month.

Links:

http://billboardartproject.org/cities/detroit.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIGuNzOjNbE&list=UUmVsJp7-w-n6vj3QALtdqcg&index=1&feature=plcp

Kbaumlier’s Food Images to be Shown on Billboard in Detroit, MI

Kbaumlier’s Food Images to be Shown on Billboard in Detroit, MI

Posted on by Kbaumlier

Today I just submitted 45 images to the Digital Billboard Art Project, a project where artists can submit images to be displayed on a public digital billboard.  My images will be shown from May 28 – June 24, 2012 in the Detroit Metro area (Macomb County), MI.

I submitted slides about food – and made a series of images where foods are shown in both abstract and recognizable views, combined with words and slogans often used by advertisers to promote packaged food.  A tomato with the word “SAME GREAT TASTE,” a papaya with the words “50% LESS FAT*” and images of rice, soybeans, a peach, and cheese are in the series.

Each of the food featured in the series has an interesting story related to genetic engineering or modern farming practices.  I am interested to have the images show in Detroit, a city where it is reported that over half of the residents do not have easy access to nutritious food.

The Billboard Art Project is a project that acquires digital billboards normally used for advertising and repurposes them as roadside galleries – showing images from artists. Types of work that may be displayed include images created specifically for the billboard as well as images of previously made art adapted to the format. No two Billboard Art Project shows are alike; each city features new work.

The project was started by David Morrison, who got interested in this venue when seeing test images on a new billboard being played in 2005.   He writes, “ Advertising is so epidemic and pervasive that people pay good money for clothes so that they can advertise corporate entities like Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, and their favorite sports team… So, when you see a billboard that isn’t telling you what to buy or who to trust, it carries the impact of the unexpected.”

In 2010, he acquired 24 hours of time from Lamar Advertising in October 2010. The billboard time was purchased and a date set.  When he was discussing the project with a friend, he immediately asked to participate, and soon a call for artists was sent out through email.  At this first project, the Richmond Virginia Art project had over 30 participants with images that ranged from being serious to comical.

This year upcoming shows include other locations such as Richmond, VA; Salem, OR; Albany, NY, and Atlanta, GA.  The Detroit show is unique in that the images will be up in a month.  I will post again when the show opens, and also when the documentation of the billboard is up.

 

Links:

Billboard Art Project