Happy to See You! - Behind the Art

Concept & Inspiration
Happy to See You was created in response to Washington Market Park’s summer closure for construction, when the board sought a way to sustain its role as a community hub. I presented my series of large-scale abstract prints with bold colors and simple forms designed to appeal to children while engaging adults. Installed along the park’s fence, the work offered a daily reminder of vibrancy and connection for those passing through Tribeca.

 

Behind the Process
My process includes utilizing AI as a muse in the concept stages, which I began experimenting with in 2022. While AI tools often generate realistic imagery, I challenge them toward abstraction to spark unexpected ideas rather than to  replace drawing. Through an iterative and curatorial process, I select and redraw images that are most resonant, exploring the balance between conscious decision-making, subconscious associations, and universal forms.

 

Execution & Impact
Each project I create begins with site and community research through an evolved version of Design Thinking. For Happy to See You I worked with the park board, studied the site’s history, and spoke with neighbors and businesses.

 

Sketches inspired by my Decode series were refined into proposals, tested for scale and materials, and fabricated in the U.S. on durable vinyl before being installed along the park’s fence.

 

Two community events, a collage making workshop for kids based on the art and a painting workshop, hosted at two local venues, extended the project’s reach. An estimated 150,000 viewers will experienced the installation over its extended six-month run, supported by coverage in Time Out New York and Tribeca Citizen. 

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In addition, the New York Times covered my AI process in an article on AI at work. 

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Artistic Intent

With Happy to See You, I offer a moment of joy and a reminder of beauty in everyday interactions. My goal is for my public art to democratize creative experience by making art feel integral to community life.

 

The project also builds on my longstanding interest in merging digital innovation with creative expression. I am quick to adopt new technologies. By engaging with them, I aim to shape their role in supporting creativity and humanity.

 

Stylistically, this series shifts away from the fractal complexity of earlier works toward bold forms and color, heightening impact through presence.

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Credits

Partners: NYC Parks, Washington Market Park

Fiscal Sponsor: The Field

Fabrication: U.S.-based fabricator (vinyl printing)

Installation: Put It Up NYC