Gratitude to our Spaces
untitled (2024) Habib Apooyin
I'm grateful that post working with the Armory, my ability to find the art in the simple moments that meets the eye is more than it's ever been. A moment like this image is the perfect representation of that. This tree used to be something I walked past all the time on my walk home. However, that particular summer day I found myself drawn to the visuals of the tree, to the point where I felt the need to take a picture of it. Can't say I would have that mindset without the concept f freeing artistic expression that I only really picked up with the Armory and the multiple ways and concepts I was taught to be art-making.
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On a cloudy night with my wobbly feet
I stumbled to you!
You- Probably feeling invaded-
still put up with me
From strangers to friends,
from invader to partner
Together we wept,
we learned and improved-
we resisted and held on to the rope
To the rope of Rahma from Ar- Rahman.
I know that one day when blue is no more,
When I no more, In that foreign hopefully
peaceful land- you will be there-
alive and talking
You shouldn’t answer me back?
for I won’t believe its you!
We aren’t meant to meet in this land-
I will only believe you-
You to be you
If we meet in the other land!
Until then...
untitled (2024) Denisse Cortorreal
After hearing everyone's appreciation for space in the last session, I realized that I wanted to not only thank the space in currently in, but ALL spaces I have seen. I thought simply making a collage of just my dorm would be rather bland, so I tried coming up with something else. When the staff mentioned "Illinois" I thought "that's it!" and I took the pictures I had of the spaces in Chicago, Illinois and put them into a collage, showing a form a gratitude to a space far from New York. I like to think every space shares a story. It's crazy to think some of true streets we walk were once used for carriages, had no detailed traffic lights, less buildings, etc. We consider our skyscraper cities the norm, but how will this evolve in the future? Will it be different or have we reached peak modernism?
Sapling of Light (2024) Raven Garcia
I want to give my special tree that I like to sleep under, sunlight and hope. Right now the tree can't grow because the scaffolding from the construction is blocking sunlight from the tree. In my illustration I depict the tree as its spirit blossoming from the sunlight.
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It’s been my third time talking about you
But this time
It will be different
At first I didn’t know which place should I pick
To do the artwork
The more I think harder about where I feel the most in peace
Finally, I find inspiration from your beautiful park
I remember that I learn something in Haiti say
That there are thing that should
Admired with eyes, but not touch it
What I mean is that
When I go to the park I enjoy it
Because everything inside
Are so beautiful
The trees swayed in the wind,
their leaves resembling green flames
It’s an open place where people can relax
People go there to sit in the benches and talk to people
On the phone or meet with someone there
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Up on the jelly
Not just on a person’s belly
bag of colors, a jelly’s home,
peering outside, its dreams bloom
amongst the shopping districts and laughter's grace
people unite in this shared space.
a spectrum of jelly, marshmallows, gummy bears, worms,
ribbons
they gather, beneath white bars of white .
sweet venom in a world so pure,
a jelly dreams an eternal euphoria.
through translucent walls, it sees all bond,
in relaxation and joy, their presence respond.
a taste of community, a flavor such
as that would make
planets collide
Such Magic!
outside the bag, where gleam is keen,
jelly shoots its beams
people combine and convene,
it finds perfection in the realm it has seen.
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Something I can say about gratitude is that no matter what, I don't feel like anywhere is about the space. Through the past few weeks I wrote about my grandparents' kitchen/living room as I was growing up. Never was it about the space itself, it was about the people. The memories I’ve built that I wish I could replay in my head with perfect memory. To feel and relive those moments would be more than a necessity in my opinion. They say it’s hard to know when you’re in the good old days until you’ve left them but I believe that if you keep this in mind you’ll be grateful for everyday you have the opportunity to go out and experience life. No matter how big or small my day might be, I feel grateful knowing that at any moment, I'm ready to create a memory somewhere, sometime, and definitely with someone.
Signing out,
Jason Quizhpi
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Where do I begin?
You’ve brought out a part of me I never knew existed.
Pushing me far beyond my limits,
Your openness insisted.
I recount all the minutes spent staring into your reflection,
Trying so hard to find perfection.
You told me to stop.
To see.
To breathe.
To just be.
Be authentically me and move freely.
Get out of my head and move into my body
Find my “heart space” ideally.
I needed to learn to embody.
You’ve made me realize,
Why I do this thing called dance.
To my surprise,
You’ve brought me into a trance.
Thank you for reigniting my passion,
And teaching me it’s not about perfection.
It’s about growth and self-discovery.
It’s about dedication and connection.
Thank you my dear friend.
Franklin Stand up comedy (2024) by Kedesia Robinson
This piece is a poster about the space that I made to invite people to experience the space in a way it’s a promotion while also a thank you.
Lost in Abundance (2024) by Joseph Balbuena
This Photo is from the 2024 Lunar New Year celebration within Chinatown NYC. It Is a Celebration of gratitude that has grown to become more inclusive as years passes on. This celebration taking place on the crowded streets of Chinatown is a perfect metaphor of giving thanks to the streets for what it was, what it gave, and the growth that came with it.
Sabotage (2024) Raven Garcia
I think my opinion of my space has changed in the opposite direction as we did our art making. What started as a nice cozy space turned into a spot I realized gave me equally negative thoughts. A cozy pretty spot that both heals and harms me. It's funny to think about a bed so intensely.
Raise the Roof! (2024) by Taylor Maheia
untitled (2024) by Yanitza Ordonez
So over the past year, I unfortunately had to leave my comfort zone and move to a new home and a new environment. So this is a forgiveness piece. I am forgiving myself for everything that happened that led to where I’m at. I want to heal from everything and move on. I am accepting my new space/home. This new home isn't a punishment and I need to stop viewing it that way. This new home is where I will continue to grow and learn. And this piece reassures me and lets me know that I’m okay where I’m at right now.
Homage to the land and those that once walked on it (2024) by Cory Sierra
My art piece is a tribute to the land of Arizona most of which consists of desert, cactus and beautiful canyons. The land is also home to many tribes. Tribes that have been negatively impacted by the fentanyl epidemic. My art also pays a tribute to them, addressing the continued effects of colonialism and systemic prejudice that still exists today.
THANKING SPACE (2024) Nat Banaszek
My piece shows gratitude to the space by allowing me to express how I would personally take in the space. The space I’ve been reflecting on for the past 4 weeks has shown me how I could use the spaces around me in my best interest. It allows me to exist in the space and feel more close and connected to it. Such as bringing others in it, allowing me to distress, and plenty more. I thank the space by taking care of it. Cleaning up after myself is my top priority, especially in places I cherish the most.
Thank You, Bench in a Park (2024) by Kedesia Robinson
I wanted to signify how the bench in the park allowed me to appreciate other parks. I put the door slightly opened in the presentation to reflect how my mind about parks are open and different. I put the words next to the door to highlight the way parks make me feel. I also added city's in the presentation because I want to show how the parks can also be seen as beautiful and that although I'm from a city, sometimes I prefer the outdoors.
It is cold outside but the heat is on in the car so it’s alright (2024) by AJ Volkov
Originally when I started this piece, it was simply a basic drawing of the space. Since then, I've added many layers to the point where the original is too obscured to see. To me, the original drawing represents what the space is in a literal sense, to anybody who sees it, and the overlays are my personal emotions/memories associated with it. Through these associations, I feel like I am showing the space gratitude by giving it some meaning and attention, showcasing how crowded with memories it could become even if it is a gloomy, seemingly lifeless place, and while one person might view it as the original, more literal drawing, someone who feels connected with the space may see it as packed as the final piece.