Red Mailbox Gumball Beacon

​This product is influenced by my first visit to NYC, where I discovered the bodega culture, including the public red mailboxes beside each other on every corner of the street. The prominent vandalism culture is also celebrated everywhere in the city. Bodegas and mailboxes are quotidian encounters in NY. Both are vandalized with art from all languages expressing the culture and identity of how New Yorkers interface with each other and objects. The gumball wrappers replicate the famous “Hello, my name is” stickers, and the passersby are invited to interact by tagging a piece of themselves on the product. This replicates the natural interaction between New Yorkers and significant objects. This piece presumably should be presented next to a bodega, as it seems almost natural. The occurrence of the narrative of the product stood out in the exhibition, initially empty and ending up being covered with stickers. This is an aesthetic and functional prototype of my perception of NYC culture.

​

31.5”x11.8”

Transparent Acetate film, ceramic plate, spray paint, foam noodle, cardboard, and plywood

​​​