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Transformation the Inevitability of Change
A cross section of art and architecture, and the way they influence our lives. As the title suggests, transformation is inevitable, but it is how we perceive impending changes as they approach, and how we document them once they have past, that interests me. I am interested in the lens with which we look into the past... so often the past is romanticized, thought to be ³better days². All the time, though, we are aware of the past in other ways; horrible stories of child labor, long working days, sooty smokestacks, dirty air, and civic corruption. All of these things come together as we present found objects decorated with use and photos of what once was. But to look back is to make note of what has been, an evaluation, and decided where to go next. The architectural pieces I have proposed an exciting future of responsible urban planning and community-based development projects, the types of ideas I hope to see more of in the city¹s future. The fine art and photography also speak of the present objects crafted to
discuss issues of change, familiarity, dysfunction, sexuality, and perception. Photos of buildings in various stages of rejuvenation and disassembly, documentation of transformation, historical comparisons, decay,
and the unnoticed details of life. Let Transformation be the beginning of a dialogue. Every individual¹s
perceptions of the past, present and future are different, but they need to
be shared in order to better understand these three aspects of time as a
communal story.
THE WEBSITE
ArtInRuins.com is a web-based project dedicated to discussing, documenting, and preserving mill buildings and the unique architecture of northern Rhode Island. By balancing the sheer beauty of these buildings in decline with architectural use and community action issues, such as unlawful demolition and gentrification, we have brought together a diverse swatch of citizens who consider both our city¹s future and its past.
The website started in February 2002, and is constantly being updated with news items, photos, historical documentation, and interviews. Current traffic trends average 150,000 page hits per month, which result from about 5000 unique visits. Currently a loose-knit organization of unpaid volunteers, A.I.R. is looking into gaining 501c3 (non-profit) status to be eligible for national, state and local grant opportunities.
artist
J Hogue
A graphic and web designer by trade, J has always had an interest in crumbling structures, the aesthetics of decay; and ever since the demolition of Eagle Square, the issues surrounding urban renewal. An amateur photographer and letterpress printer, he brings these things together to form the aesthetic and intellectual core of ArtInRuins. J is passionate about A.I.R., and works a little bit every week to keep it current. He pays the operating expenses of the website out of pocket, so you know it is a labor of love.
contact
Art in Ruins.com
