Pulp Studio, the leading designer and manufacturer of technically superior decorative glass, has completed another collaboration with Public Art for Public Schools (PAPS), a division within the New York City School Construction Authority. For this project, artist Julia Whitney Barnes worked with Pulp Studio to create a lively and immersive glass installation, transforming the entryway of The Magnet School of Multicultural Humanities (P.S. 253) in Brooklyn, N.Y.
“Art is an incredibly powerful tool for sparking creativity and curiosity in students while promoting diversity throughout schools,” says Kirk Johnson, Chief Executive Officer. “Pulp Studio is proud to partner with PAPS on a variety of inspiring art installations throughout New York City’s public schools. By utilizing our proprietary D2G™️ process, we’re able to transform artists’ visions into striking, large-scale glass works that make a real impact in the community.”
Spanning more than 24 feet wide and 14 feet high, “Brighton Botanical” is a vibrant glass mural on digitally printed interlayer that showcases 53 different varieties of colorful, blooming flowers. To achieve the desired aesthetic, D2G ceramic frit paint was applied on the #1 surface, which was laminated with ¼” Low Iron PGI opaque interlayer in between the glass to create depth and make the bright, saturated colors shine. The artwork is visible from the street, the school lobby and the second floor, inviting students and visitors alike to explore the mural’s beauty and draw aesthetic, scientific and literary inspiration from the surrounding world.
The wide array of flowers symbolizes the rich diversity of students at P.S. 253. To create the mural, Whitney Barnes researched plant species from around the globe and chose only those that thrive in Brooklyn. “The symbolism of each flower played an important role in my selection process,” states Whitney Barnes. “Several flowers, such as echinacea, have important medicinal properties; others, like the lotus, are significant in literature; and the sunflower, an essential food source for both humans and animals, symbolizes strength, resilience, happiness and positivity.”
This marks third collaboration between Pulp Studio and PAPS, exemplifying Pulp Studio’s passion for using art as a source of inspiration within educational institutions. Previous joint projects include “Neighborhood” by Justin Kim at P.S. 46 Alley Pond School in Queens and “REMEMBER WHEN TOMORROW CAME” by Ghost of a Dream at P.S. 653 Pacific Park Campus in Brooklyn.
Project Title: Brighton Botanical
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Artist: Julia Whitney Barnes
Commissioner: Collection of the Department of Education, Public Art for Public Schools
NYC Department of Education, NYC School Construction Authority Public Art for Public Schools
program, in collaboration with NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Percent for Art program
Photographer: Sean Hemmerle
