A Painting Can Appear Anywhere

Although psychylustro, pronounced “Sike-E-luss-tro” will be completed by May 17, the art will change over time as the elements gradually reclaim the space.  In the words of project curator Elizabeth Thomas, “The corridor offers amazing possibilities to consider a very different kind of viewing experience–one that is framed by windows and by the specific conditions of a train ride.”As Mural Arts Philadelphia evolves from traditional community murals, into a paradigm of socially engaged art and creative placemaking, we continue to be guided by a fundamental belief that art can ignite change. Katharina Grosse’s fusion of painting, sculpture, architecture and placemaking make her an ideal artist for our expansion into projects with internationally acclaimed fine artists.  It is our hope that this project will be a catalyst for our vision, capture the imagination of Philadelphians and spark ideas for the potential of the rail corridor. This has been expressed best by our executive director, Jane Golden, “We really want people to see what we see. We see the deterioration, but we also see the beauty, we see the history, we see Philadelphia’s past.”

Want more on psychylustro? Starting May 17, you will be able to hear interviews with the artist, and experience an audio interpretation by sound artist, Jesse Kudler, by calling 215.525.1045. In keeping with the theme of this project and honoring Grosse’s intention of using “the brilliance of color to get close to people, to stir up a sense of life experience and heighten their sense of presence” we would love to hear from you! Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag, #psychylustro by sharing your own pictures of the installation from your commute. We will share them across all of our social networks and here on our blog.

A huge thank you to our supporters for which none of this would be possible without your generosity. psychylustro has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, National Endowment for the Arts, John S. and James L Knight Foundation, The Fierce Advocacy Fund, PTS Foundation, AT&T, Philadelphia Zoo, David and Helen Pudlin, halfGenius, and The Beneficial Foundation with support for the exhibition publication from the Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation.

Photography by Steve Weinik