Front St Mural Taken Down
August 5th, 2009
The Dumbo Mural by Tattfoo Tan was removed by the Department of Transportation yesterday morning. The mural was installed in 2008 and was a colorful addition to what was otherwise a bare metal wall, an appropriate place for it, given the history of artists in the neighborhood. The Dumbo Improvement District commissioned the artwork and coordinated the installation with the artist and the DOT.
We contacted the Dumbo Improvement District to see what’s up with the space. They mentioned to us that they will keep the mural in Dumbo and are working on getting a new space for it. They also said that they will soon begin the fundraising and logistical process to site a new piece of art on the Front Street fence.
In an email from Tattfoo, he says to us:
“I had a great time working with DUMBO BID, PS307 and DOT and like to thank them and the residents of DUMBO for the opportunity. I hope to be able to be back in DUMBO soon and work on other new projects that I’m doing now like, “Mobile Garden”, “Black Gold” “S.O.S” which is all inline with NMS mural. Lastly, do “Remember to take your daily dose of color”.”
When we snapped the pics, the mural was being stored away in the 55 Washington St building. Any suggestions on where to place the mural?
{Dumbo Mural by Tattfoo and PS307 Children on Front Street, 29Feb2008}
{tattfoo.com}
August 5th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Why would they take it down before even working on securing a new piece to replace it?
August 5th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Hope they give it a good cleaning before storing it long–term.
August 5th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
The best improvement would be is for DOT to take the gate down, and create a pedestrian area and a park. It is time to boot DOT equipment out of DUMBO.
August 5th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
I agree with eva all the way. They have the coolest areas locked down. Go the way of the arch!
August 6th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Nonsensical bureaucratic bullshit! Why did this come down????
@ eva: Right on!
August 6th, 2009 at 11:28 am
Well the whole idea got me started thinking and bust out my photoshop. I just got started ‘erasing ‘ Dot. Hmmm Tattfoo inspired pavers….
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3561/3795573016_d978225e91.jpg
As for the archway. Heck Marvel could have come up with something better… Take down the awful metal things and replace that hunk of ugly light.
August 6th, 2009 at 11:58 am
Go eva! Nice Photoshop. I like that idea, but wonder if the DOT would even allow it? I’m sure there are even more bureaucratic bullshit to go through before that archway is opened up.
BID, what do you say?
September 24th, 2009 at 12:04 am
The best improvement would be is for DOT to take the gate down, and create a pedestrian area and a park. It is time to boot DOT equipment out of DUMBO.