Antonis Pittas

Searching for Calder

mural acrylics RAL2002 (Vermillion)

760 × 680 cm

ISCP Open Studio, New York, 2024

Searching for Calder is an ongoing research project on American modernism resulting in an abstract mural based on the exact dimensions of the work Bent Propellor (1969) by Calder, executed in the ‘calder red’ paint.

Bent Propellor was a red stainless-steel public sculpture, installed in front of the World Trade Centre in 1970. The work was severely damaged in the aftermath of the 9/11 attack and could not be restored.

All exits lead to the stage

Animation, 01:02 loop

ISCP Open Studio, New York

2024

The work All exits lead to the stage investigates the stone blocks that are placed all over New York City. Since 2001 the number of these blocks increased. They work as the so-called hostile design; an urban strategy that uses elements of the built environment to purposefully guide public behavior.

The stones function as roadblocks, to prevent vehicles to enter specific areas and to prevent attacks. In the videowork All exits lead to the stage the stones are transformed into 3D floating objects.