Within moments of ROA’s arrival on site to his designated building for “Living Walls : Albany,” he spotted a recently departed squirrel, took it as a sign and it became quite clear what he was going to do next.
The squirrel population in Albany is (somewhat) jokingly of a “different” breed – they are as tough as they are territorial, while still somehow managing a natural presence and a non-intrusive interactivity with passer-bys. Squirrels are everywhere in Albany, making it a more-than-fitting subject for ROA’s large-scale contribution to the Living Walls project.
ROA (photo © MC3)
Cosmically or maybe even comically enough, as ROA was working up in the lift adding detail to the animal laying on its back, a man associated with the building’s owner shared an anecdote of how a couple years back a pesky squirrel’s nest almost resulted in the same building burning down, with firefighters called to the scene and all.
During ROA’s time creating the piece, people stopped by to inquire more about the wall and what was going on, with many lingering on the “why a squirrel” question.
ROA (photo © Andrew Franciosa)
“People are bored with simple messages,” said ROA “they want something deeper.”
With the inspiration of the piece still laying off to the side, ROA entertained the public’s curiosities with a grin saying, “Its for you to figure out if it’s dead or alive and the meaning behind it. It’s a very simple message – just a squirrel on it’s back,” as another onlooker proudly repeated his take on ROA’s work in succession, “that symbolizes something!”
ROA (photo © Andrew Franciosa)
No animals were harmed during the making of this mural. (photo © Andrew Franciosa)
ROA (photo © Andrew Franciosa)
ROA (photo © Andrew Franciosa)
Other Articles You May Like from BSA:
There used to be over 600 lace-makers here. Nespoon is remembering them with her new works on the street. NeSpoon. Le Locle, Switzerland. July 2019. (photo © NeSpoon) Part of a residency that ...
Our weekly focus on the moving image and art in the streets. And other oddities. Now screening : 1. RUN: Bye Bye Dolphin 2. RERO: Installation in situ - Desert d'Agafay - Montresso Art Foundation 3....
Welcome to BSA Images of the Week. How was your blue moon, and your time switch, and your Beyloween? And your 6-3 Supreme Court? Feeling dizzy? Not much to worry about should be a slow we...
Statue of Liberty Inspires Street Artists in New York The colossal creamy green neoclassical sculpture named Lady Liberty (Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi) has been greeting visitors and welcoming immigra...
A quarter of a century since falling in love with New York, WK looks at his route. WK Interact was 8 years old, spending hours drawing on old floor plans. On the job with his father, even then he...