Asian Arts Initiative will present
“Invasive
Species: Eco/Systems Land Based Initiatives,” a series of free exhibitions and events that invites visitors to take a new and different look at this unused rail line and its potential for biodiversity and ecological benefits in the heart of Philadelphia. The free, mixed reality project, presented in collaboration
with eo Studio and 2022 Artists-in-Residence Dr. Ashley Gripper and Sonia
Galiber, runs from Sept. 15 from Oct. 15 at the 18th Street pedestrian bridge above the Cut, a sub-street level,
open-air green space that runs parallel to Callowhill Street from North
Broad Street to 18th Street.
Using exhibits, performances, a community block party, and workshops,
“Invasive Species” will demonstrate the tremendous potential of art to
assist in understanding public infrastructure, the beauty of unseen corners
of the city, the deep connection to the land people share despite being
displaced in developed landscapes, and the role we can play as cultural
producers in climate mitigation. Visit the “Invasive Species” event website to
learn more about the project and to register.
Schedule of Free Events:
Sept. 15 from 6-8 p.m.
The opening Celebration of the Gallery Exhibition will take place at Asian
Arts Initiative, located at 1219 Vine Street. Artworks inspired by the "Invasive Species" project will be on display. The artists will be present
and refreshments will be served. Pre-registration is encouraged.
Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 | Visit anytime
An interactive public installation on the 18th Street Bridge that invites visitors to use augmented reality on their mobile devices as they cross-pollinate the Cut’s diverse
plant life with narratives about cultural and physical migration.
Sept. 15 – Dec. 9 | Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 2-6 p.m.
Artworks inspired by the “Invasive Species” project will be on display at
the Asian Arts Initiative Storefront Gallery located at 1219 Vine Street.
The exhibit will feature sculptures, soundscapes, and immersive environments
that continue the personal narratives and migration stories told by
community members.
Sept. 28 from 7-8 p.m. on Zoom
Learn how to create avatars like the ones in the “Invasive Species” mixed
reality. Eto Otitigbe will teach you how to use the tools to create your own
avatar! A zoom link will be sent to those who register closer to the event
date. Pre-registration is required.
Oct. 7 from 2-6:30 p.m.
Asian Arts Initiative's annual Block Party will take place at Matthias
Baldwin Park, to celebrate the launch of the Invasive Species installations
this fall and to bring together members of the neighboring communities. The
Block Party will be an opportunity for the public to meet the lead artists,
and to enjoy music, poetry, dance offerings, with local food and drinks. Pre-registration is encouraged.
Oct. 7 & 8 at 7 p.m.
Attend a special live and interactive performance at the Cut. An Urban
Cypher Performance including music by Amanda Kerdahi and Zane Rodulfo, mixed
reality and projection mapping by Eto Otitigbe and eo Studio will
reverberate and illuminate the Cut. Viewed from 18th Street Bridge and
Community College of Philadelphia Main Garage (Enter from 18th Street). Pre-registration is encouraged.
“Invasive Species: Eco/Systems Land Based Initiatives” is
funded by Our Town Grant of the National Endowment for the Arts and the
William Penn Foundation. For more information on the project, click
here.
