A public art project by Anna Fubini, “Letters Rewoven,” transforms written messages into a lovely, gazebolike white structure, standing in sharp contrast to the fall leaves surrounding it. While the installation is made of handwritten and typed notes made by Somerville residents, the writings were turned into paper pulp to cover the sculpture’s panels.
The texts were produced in workshops hosted by Fubini and Brenda M. Echeverry, an expressive arts therapist. Some were submitted at library drop boxes or online. At the workshops, Fubini and Echeverry asked participants to reflect on themes such as impermanence and transformation, mirroring the impermanence of the art that would come out of the workshops.
Many public art pieces are designed to withstand the elements; “Letters Rewoven” was designed to embrace decomposition.
There’s something a bit strange about a publicly funded art project that mirrors public comment processes, then destroys the words produced by them. Most are illegible. Looking closely, in some larger pieces of paper pulp, some letters and words can be discerned. It’s confessional, but without the vulnerability of a true confession.
It was made at public workshops – which were likely memorable and collaborative, to be fair – yet the form of the final product feels isolating.
There was only one copy of the paper letters, but the online submissions still exist in electronic form. Perhaps they’ll be read aloud or published somewhere? Of course, the idea is to embrace the temporary, but the impulse to archive is strong – especially when it comes to the written word.
“Letters Rewoven” has an opening reception from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday and will be up through the spring at Lou Ann David Park, 1060 Broadway, Somerville.
A stronger
Please consider making a financial contribution to maintain, expand and improve Cambridge Day.
We are now a 501(c)3 nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible.
Please consider a recurring contribution.