FORT GREENE — It is rare for Brooklynites to see a sunset reflected in the windows of the buildings that surround them.
But now, thanks to artist Glen Baldridge, a golden sunset printed on perforated vinyl is being plastered to the façade of Brooklyn Academy of Music's Harvey Theater on 651 Fulton St.
"This art installation represents misplaced landscape," Baldridge said. "Or the idea of seeing things in unexpected places."
Baldridge was commissioned by BAMart, a visual art program of the academy, to create artworks in public spaces. His idea was selected out of more than 100 proposals from all over the world.
Baldridge's "Sunset" was chosen because it "offers new and stimulating ideas about how to introduce art into public spaces and engage those who visit and pass by on a daily basis," BAMart said in a press release.
Perforated vinyl, often used for commercial advertising, is unusual as an art material.
Baldridge said he was compelled by the idea of using the medium to create a visual that isn’t selling anything.
"Normally you would see a print of a bagel in a bagel shop window on perforated vinyl," he said. "But sunsets are free."
Baldridge divided a stock photo of a sunset to fit the windows on the outside of the old theater and adjusted its resolution to be big enough for passers-by to see. He said that the computer work took the bulk of time. This is the largest installation he has ever created.
Baldridge’s Sunset is one of four public art works currently being installed in Fort Greene. They will be on display for one year.
BAMart recently revealed details about the chosen art works. At 230 Ashland Place, a concrete wall will become the site for a digital rendering of blue skies and puffed clouds. An empty lot at 653 Fulton St. will be home to three pyramid structures, and five news boxes filled with print publications will sit on Lafayette Avenue near Ashland Place. All art spaces will be open for viewing on June 19.
And keeping it local, the four finalists are all from Brooklyn.
