LYDIAN APARTMENTS, Oakland
Julie W. Chang, Among, 2020. Architectural glass installation. Partial view (exterior).
Chandra Cerrito / Art Advisors was honored to work with the developer, design team, and community stakeholders to select an artist, oversee conceptual design, obtain City approval, coordinate integration into the building, and facilitate the installation of Julie Chang's artwork, Among.
Located along 13th Street in downtown Oakland, Among is incorporated into the insulated glass units that make up the storefront of the Lydian Apartments, a new residential building with ground floor retail spaces. Passing vehicles and neighbors across the way can view the ebb and flow of imagery along the length of the windows. Pedestrians are able to explore the abstraction that occurs through the physical layering of imagery and discover the hidden patterns within the work.
When considering the site’s location adjacent to both Chinatown and the Black Arts Movement Business District, Chang decided to weave together graphic images based on distinct yet familiar cultural icons, creating a metaphor for social and political harmony. Bamboo holds significance in both Chinese and Japanese culture, representing the spirit of integrity, loyalty and the ability to spring back after diversity. The mathematical tessellations of an Islamic pattern speaks to transformation and the impermanence of the physical world.
The African Ankara or Dutch Wax print pattern holds a shape that might be interpreted as a UFO, which works as a playful metaphor for the experience of alienation in the pursuit of belonging. Together human perspectives are combined and interwoven. Symbols migrate and cross boundaries, transformed by encounters with other forms. Layered glass holds these elements together encouraging discovery while celebrating difference, connection and understanding.
Julie W. Chang, Among. Interior view (above and below).
Julie W. Chang, Among. Installation view.