Being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest source of pain and hunger. So when German artist Katharina Grosse transformed a condemned structure on a New York beach into her latest masterpiece; it made us immediately inspired.
Rockaway!, took seven days to complete with Grosse implementing her signature spray-paint technique across the derelict building. By layering three different red shades on top of a base white coat, Grosse builds up a crescendo of colour that allows the white to reflect to light and the red to coax viewers closer.
The inviting, almost hostile, nature of the striking red paint makes for a strong statement as it creates a visible contrast to the relaxed and serene surroundings. The whole experience is amplified through the fully immersive nature of the piece. Where previously Grosse has only decorated the facades of derelict buildings, for Rockaway she paints the entirety of the house “to make it far more relatable to the sky, sea and the open setting.”
Rockaway!, has been completed as part of MoMA PS1’s programming in Rockaway, New York, which aids the ongoing recovery of the area after Hurricane Sandy hit in 2012. Take a closer look at the project below and be sure to check out Katharina Grosse’s website for more spectacular abstract designs.
Rockaway! featuring site-specific installation by Katharina Grosse. Image courtesy the artist and MoMA PS1. Photo by Pablo Enriquez.
