Public Art Exhibits Coming to the BCA Plaza

A temporary public art installation coming next month to the Plaza is anything but traditional.

An arched wooden structure covered with painted Plexiglas panels creates a large-scale painting that visitors can walk through, watching as the artwork transforms based on their location within the tunnel-like sculpture.

The piece, created by architects Tim Severo and Andrew Adamopolous in collaboration with artist Matthew Cleary, is part of Occupy 539, a program run by the BCA to explore ways in which people “congregate and linger” in public spaces. Artists submit proposals for the project, and the winning team receives a $1,500 stipend to develop, produce and install the artwork. 

This year, two installations will occupy space on the Plaza from July through October. Artist Philippe Lejeune designed a sculpture to be used as a stage for public performance. The stage, composed of a wooden platform and frame, contains double-sided mirrors and safety glass panels in order to alter the viewer’s perception and blend reflections from both sides of the glass.

The stage’s illusion "provides a mesmerizing and contemplative effect for the general public,” according to a press release issued by the BCA. “Other artists, including dancers and street performers, can manipulate this public art in many ways.”

What sets the two exhibits apart from other artwork is their location in public spaces, said BCA Executive Director Veronique Le Melle. As with last year’s Green Wave Bench, the public is free to touch, and in this case enter, the work of professional artists.

“We continue to look beyond our studios and gallery walls as the only place for art to be shared,” said Le Melle. “The Green Wave Bench from last year’s temporary public art exhibition blurred the line between public space and art exhibit and really became its own destination in the South End.”

The temporary installations will be unveiled Friday, July 29, during an opening reception at 6 p.m. at the BCA Plaza.