Hearts as One | JAENA KWON
December 4, 2020 – January 31, 2021
For the 13th consecutive year, Crossing Art is bringing an outdoor art installation to Queens, New York. The annual unveiling, which has become a renowned tradition for those who live and work in the neighborhood, brings the community together and ushers in a festive holiday spirit. Past installations include Lina Condes’ interactive “Emojiland” figures, Tom Fruin’s mosaic house structure, and Hyongnam Ahn’s illuminated 39-foot tall tower. This year, artist Jaena Kwon will kick off the holiday season with a lively sculptural piece, titled “Hearts as One.” Although the global COVID-19 pandemic may impact how we celebrate the holidays this year, Kwon’s sculpture is sure to brighten up the city and remind people that unity, peace and love are now more important than ever.
Inspired by her previous two-dimensional heart pieces, Kwon gives the traditional and widely-used motif a festive spin. The sculpture looks as if it’s been folded from paper into a heart shape, with its creased lines and rough edges. While most of Kwon’s pieces are painted one bold color, the new sculpture has a dark blue interior, while the exterior is painted a traditional deep red. The opposing colors connect to the idea of co-existence and unity, rather than division: different beliefs, opinions and groups of people can exist harmoniously together. For the artist, interconnectedness with loved ones and support through touch is a tremendous comfort in a fast-paced and alienating city. Not only does the heart sculpture aim to bring awareness to the need for unity, support and love during a global pandemic, but the folded shapes highlight the sensual and haptic characteristic of painting that can radiate the warmth of a human body standing next to another.