June 16, 2015
Handout Art /for PhillyVoice
Gaia (left) Nosego (center) and Isaiah Zagar (right) have signed on to "Next Stop: Democracy"
Renowned artists Nosego, Isaiah Zagar and Gaia have officially signed on to create "Vote Here" signage for pop-up election day art project, “Next Stop: Democracy!" The selection of Nosego, Gaia and Zagar exemplifies the tradition of modern public art spanning more than two generations.
"Isaiah, Gaia and Nosego were all specifically chosen because of the incredible public art they have put up around Philly over the years, or in Isaiah's case, decades! Philadelphians, by and large, know these artists' work. Now, Philadelphians are going to see their work encouraging them, reminding them, and exciting them to vote," says project curator Conrad Benner.
Hometown hero Nosego is known for his whimsical murals in Philly and beyond -- and more recently -- his exciting gallery work. You can view a few of his murals in Philadelphia at The Electric Factory, Federal Donuts and House of Hayes.
Mosaic muralist Isaiah Zagar is responsible for over 200 works of art throughout the world, many of them visible along South Street in Philadelphia. Perhaps Zagar is most recognized for his Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, a delightful and dizzying ode to his body of work. The Magic Gardens attract thousands of visitors yearly.
Baltimore-based artist Gaia was recently featured in Forbes Magazine's '30 under 30 in Art and Style'. You can find Imagining a Modern Philadelphia -- one prominent example of his work here-- at 102 S. 13th Street in Center City.
“Next Stop: Democracy!” will combat low voter turnout with the help of over 50 Philly-based creators to generate excitement around the voting process with nonpartisan “Vote Here” signs.
The signs will remind Philadelphians that it’s time to vote and direct them to a location where they can do just that.
Funded by Knight Cities Challenge, brought to you by Here's My Chance and curated by Conrad Benner of art blog Streetsdept.com, the installations are sure to be thoughtful and eye-catching. They will be placed around town for the general election on Nov 3.
“Next Stop: Democracy!" is still looking for artists to participate.
Interested artists can submit their design ideas here. Your art must contain the words “Vote Here” on one side and “Votar Aquí” on the other side. Submissions are open to creatives of all ages. Read the rules and guidelines here.
25 winning artists will receive $250 to help them create their sign!
