Project Rainbow

Filed under Ongoing Event, Installation, projects

Artist: Laurel Beckman

Project Rainbow: a Multi-city Investigation of Neighborly Cooperation looks at the face of neighborly cooperation. Working in multiple neighborhoods, with diverse demographics and architecture, house and apartment building porch lights are systematically replaced with compact florescent bulbs in rainbow colors.

Ubiquitous associations linking rainbows to optimism and diversity are apt markers for the cultural obsession with positivity in the face of demanding complexity, and the ambivalent relationship we’ve fashioned between individual and communal good. The dubious symbol of the rainbow belies both the genuine desire to, and fear of, connecting with others.

Porch lights are among the most visible transitions between public and private space, illuminating the threshold between the privacy/safety of home, and a public setting presumed to be hostile.

The project strategically employs permission and transgression. Neighborhoods are chosen for suitability, and 6 contiguous dwellings are targeted to host the colored bulbs in spectral order. In all cases, whether there is permission or not, information will be given to residents about the project including the significant cost savings of the energy efficient bulbs. Residents will be asked to display the colored bulbs for a period of two weeks. The willingness of neighbors to participate in a goal that benefits from full involvement will be on display. As an active subtext, the effectiveness of the rainbow as a gay emblem may be tested, especially in situations where direct contact and conversation- providing a forum for feedback- accompany the installment.