“...Or Does it Explode?” is a collaborative artwork I did with Philadelphia youth.  Commissioned by the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, it is an outdoor public artwork that consists of 12 human scale photographic portraits of the teenagers in illuminated lightboxes. The boxes will be supplemented by an audio component of the youths speaking about their hopes and dreams.

A detailed description of the artwork and more photographs of the project appears on other pages on this site.

The artwork is sited in Logan Square in the heart of Philadelphia’s civic center, directly in front of Philadelphia Family Court. Installation was completed in May 2009.

Be a Patron
Funding urgently needed
Due to the dramatic shift in the economic climate, the firm that had initially committed to provide the funding for installing the artwork was regrettably forced to withdraw their pledge. For this reason, $20,000 is urgently needed to complete financing this important project. Tax-deductible donations can be made online at muralarts.org/support. On the secure donation page, please check the box, "This gift is earmarked to support the 'Dread Scott, Or Does it Explode' project."

If You Give You Will Receive
In addition to supporting an important project and enabling it to be completed, people who contribute at the following level will receive a gift in return:
$2,500 - $4,500 Limited edition photograph of your choosing from the 12 portraits in the project.
$1,000 CD containing all the audio that is part of the artwork as well as the rendering described below. A sample of the audio can be heard by clicking the icon at the bottom of the page which describes the project in more depth.
$300 Signed archival inkjet print—a rendering of how the work will appear when installed.
$75 Signed catalog, "Dread Scott: Welcome to America"

Your donation in any amount is greatly appreciated. Donate now.

The project is made possible with the generous support of the Mural Arts Program, Philadelphia Department of Human Services, the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, Duggal Visual Solutions, Calumet Photographic and other funders.