Sunday, August 10, 2008
Quick, Q&A

Talking public art with Kristina Solomoukha

A Quick Q&A

Paris-based artist Kristina Solomoukha’s work centers on small structures, with a special focus on development and urban sprawl—which makes ever-expanding Atlanta the ideal location for her newest creation, a public art project in Cleopas R. Johnson Park. The project will begin in October as part of Le Flash, a one-night art event in Castleberry Hill.

The Sunday Paper caught up with Solomoukha, fresh off a transatlantic flight, to discuss her work.—Larissa Erin Greer

Q Why did you choose Atlanta as the site of your project?

A It was Atlanta that chose me! I’m really fascinated with interchanges and freeways, these huge forms that we don’t have in Europe. We don’t see electric pylons and gas stations there, and it’s really interesting for me. I see this as a kind of transparent landscape, and when other people see these non-spaces, they don’t know how to react to them.

And that’s why you create public art?
This idea to make public art is something I do and teach in France—we even have a public commission for it. The history of public art there is very permanent, but today we can’t do monuments. Art is not the same territory it once was. It’s no longer a tribute, more of a commentary.

How do you like the space you’re going to be working with?
I like it. It’s a little thing, so it goes along with the idea of creating small structures. We came to see the territory of the park, the space—then we met the community surrounding the park. Now I just have to think of something to create.

Do you have any ideas or inspirations just yet?
I’m interested in the vocabulary of road signs, and the construction throughout the city. I would like to take the entire territory of the park to do something that is more object than architecture. A small space that you can walk around and go into: a kiosk or a pavilion. SP