Residuum: Gowanus to Hunters Point
The ever-changing water surface of the Gowanus Canal seduces and bewitches me. The surreal colors and forms from my unaltered photographs of this Brooklyn Superfund site stem from many sources of pollutants, including petroleum run-off, sewage, and coal tar, created by Manufactured Gas Plants over one hundred years ago.
My Residuum series also includes site-specific video projection, data visualization, and sculptural interventions. I continue to expand this project by collaborating with the scientific community, gaining a deeper understanding of the environmental and political situation through our creative endeavors.
Many environmental battles are being waged In my own San Francisco community, specifically Hunters Point. While Hunters Point's pollutants hide out of sight, Gowanus Canal's often flow right on the surface, visible to all, providing a platform for conversation about both sites.
Gowanus Canal surface water contaminants, showing ratio of the maximum detected amount to the NY State standard for drinking water. Carcinogen Benzo(a)pyrene measured at more than 300x standard.
(Data from table E of 2017 Gowanus Canal Public Health Assessment, NY State Department of Health)
Work-in-progress, Gowanus to Hunters Point series (working title)
Collaboration with data scientist Kerry Rodden
Proposed mode of display: Archival Pigment Print with 25-second Augmented Reality video overlay