Fragments
Artist: Danny Arnold
Danny Arnold (dannyarnoldart.com and @thousandsofboxes) is a self-taught visual artist building three-dimensional paper landscapes that are memorials to loved ones, places, and experiences. He lives and creates between Woodside and Sunnyside. His distinctive technique uses thousands of repetitive motions to sculpt topographic pieces out of quotidian, found materials that would typically be discarded or overlooked: paper bags, leftover funeral prayer cards, and now decorative subway tiles removed from the 7 line viaduct. This work invites the question…
What about Sunnyside could be remade?
Here’s how our neighbors responded:
I'd like to see some of the vacant storefronts in the neighborhood turned into pop-up art galleries. There are so many artists in this neighborhood—so much talent to display and beauty to share.
I wish that more public space could be imaginatively used in the way this window box is — more common areas dedicated to art and leisure, not just for labor! More trees and green space for the south side of the blvd. I wish for mixed-use of the cemetery, one of our few big green spaces, remaking the big lawns and wide paths for picnics and parties — the dead won’t mind! :)
I wish Sunnyside had less space for cars and more space for people! We have such a cozy, friendly community, and I wish our built environment reflected that more. More places to touch grass would also be a welcome addition :)
I would love to see more green space and community space.
The elevated #7 line needs a facelift. Maybe involve schools to create ideas for murals and /or mosaics. The elevated line is such a prominent feature in our community and it deserves more attention.
The sidewalk shed and scaffolding surrounding PS 150 on 43 Avenue.
Where are our public green spaces? Sunnyside is sorely lacking these. Every new building project is an opportunity lost. Sunnyside needs to find a balance between the AFFORDABLE housing crisis and green space. Both are vital. We don’t need or want a single new luxury building.
Infrastructure! We have one of the most wonderful pieces of infrastructure in NYC, the gorgeous arches under the 7 train. We could have year round enclosed markets and public activities underneath. (I love Danny's artwork and it makes me happy everytime I walk by it. I love the way it engages in a material way with bits of this neighborhood and suggests a that a sense of renewal is possible in Sunnyside.)
