DIGITAL • ARTWORK

visual concept + animated NYC-themed illustration to be displayed on all LinkNYC stands across the five boroughs of New York City as a part of #ArtOnLink program

Background

LinkNYC is a first-of-its-kind communications network that is replacing pay phones across the five boroughs with new structures called Links. Each Link provides super fast, free public Wi-Fi, phone calls, device charging, and a tablet for access to city services, maps and directions. LinkNYC is supported by the City of New York and CityBridge, a NYC-based consortium of leading experts in technology, media, connectivity and user experience. LinkNYC is completely free because it’s funded through advertising, yet it generates millions of dollars in revenue for New York City.

Besides featuring small businesses, nonprofits, community groups and neighborhood events, LinkNYC promotes local artists creating work that celebrates life in NYC through the program called #ArtOnLink. The scenes, people, icons, and sentiments showcased represent NYC and create an immediate connection between the art and the city for citygoers and visitors alike.

Standard 55-inch high-definition Link displays for advertisements and public service announcements with an integrated Android tablet embedded within each device

Key features: (1) Use your personal device to connect to LinkNYC’s super fast, free Wi-Fi; (2) Access city services, maps and directions from the tablet; (3) Make free phone calls to anywhere in the U.S. using the tablet or the tactile keypad and microphone, plug in your personal headphones for more privacy; (4) Use the dedicated red 911 button in the event of an emergency; (5) Charge your device in a power-only USB port; (6) Enjoy more room on the sidewalk with Link’s sleek, ADA-compliant design by Antenna; (7) View public service announcements and more relevant advertising on two 55” HD displays.

Description / Story

This winter-inspired fantasy was awakened by the lyrics to The Place Where Lost Things Go written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman for Mary Poppins Returns (2018). It comes at a particularly poignant moment in the film, as Mary Poppins sings a lullaby to the Banks children, who are grieving their late mother, telling them about the place where lost things go, and that their mother is there watching over them.

“Do you ever dream or reminisce, wondering where to find what you truly miss, searching for the things you used to know, looking for the place where the lost things go. Time to close your eyes, so sleep can come around, for when you dream you’ll find: all that’s lost is found. Maybe on the moon or maybe somewhere new, maybe all you’re missing lives inside of you. Spring is like that now, far beneath the snow, hiding in the place where the lost things go.”

— Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman, The Place Where Lost Things Go

Since #ArtOnLink content should be NYC-centric, creating the connection that should be immediately apparent to the viewers, I decided to build a visual concept based on the sweet view from High Line Park out to West 20th street, one of my all-time favorite spots in the city. The view extends all the way to Chelsea Court Tower, a 16-story apartment building that was designed by Charles Pierrepont Henry Gilbert and built in 1928.

Acknowledgements

Huge thanks to LinkNYC and all coordinators of #ArtOnLink program for the extensive support and expert content curation. Being able to share my art with fellow New Yorkers felt incredible. I’m honored to be one of the few local artists to be featured this holiday season. On top of that, I’m proud of pushing myself and stepping out of my comfort zone in illustration, which is typically fashion-driven.