Location
The target audience for this sculpture is not specific, but includes anyone who could be willing to open their hearts like little Alex. Set along a pathway in front of an apartment building on Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh, the sculpture is nestled into its residential environment and offers subtle passive interactions to the residents of the building as they enter or exit their homes, and to people walking on the sidewalk along 5th Ave. The gentle flapping of bird wings as well as the sign along the pathway we hope will invite passersby into a more intimate interaction with our installation.
The location of the installation, although set in a semi-private area, is easily accessible from the sidewalk. A combination of plaques installed near the adjacent bus stop and near the installation serves to inform people about purpose of the sculpture and its interactions.
Design
The sculpture, designed to reside in an urban locale of Pittsburgh, tries to engage the passersby and residents of the area to communicate awareness about the on-going refugee crisis.
Gentle wing flapping movement of the birds passively invites the passersby. The plight of refugees as they struggle to move towards a better future is depicted in this slow flapping motion of birds as if they are struggling to take flight.
A plaque displays the intent of the sculpture and guides the viewers to engage actively by sending a tweet message to the refugees. Viewers can tweet their message of encouragement for the refugees and include the provided tag #flighttofreedom.
