3000 YELLOW RECTANGLES ON A PARKING GARAGE

SmartPark SW 10th & Yamhill (Portland, OR)

June 13 - September 26, 2024

Inkjet coated Dupont Tyvek ®, wheatpaste

In summer 2024, I collaborated with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) on a large-scale temporary installation that covered two facades of a downtown parking structure with 3,000 pieces of inkjet-coated Dupont Tyvek ®. Over four days, I installed and later removed each brick-sized (2x8 in) rectangle using a platform lift. The modular design explored how small units combine into larger systems, reflecting the collective efforts of Portlanders to revitalize the city center.

The materials were chosen for their utility and symbolism. Dupont Tyvek ®, typically used to weatherize buildings, provided durability, while wheatpaste, a simple adhesive, was strong yet designed to wash away with rain. The vivid yellow echoed road markings, directly referencing transportation and the project’s partnership with PBOT.

The abstract design resisted a single interpretation, offering anyone the opportunity to find their own meaning within it. At such a large scale, the gesture became a shared experience in the cityscape, resonating with Portland’s diverse communities.

Though disassembled at the end of summer, the installation took on an unexpected second life when one side was later captured by Google Maps (733 SW 10th Ave). This digital afterlife continues to extend the project’s reach beyond its brief physical presence, preserving the gesture in the city’s visual record.