I'm so proud to be able to share this compelling public art currently on view in Houston.
"Toxic Pile of Dirt" is a mass of chemical and sewage laced sediment left on the banks of Buffalo Bayou by Hurricane Harvey as floodwaters receded.
This accumulation has been painstakingly bulldozed from the shores of the Bayou up onto the walkway.
In this form, "Toxic Pile" manifests the intersection between people leaving things that block the sidewalk, and then the need of those who encounter the obstruction to find a way around the blockage.
"Toxic Pile" offers a necessary message of sustainability and renewal as there will always be another flood and plenty more filth to recreate this work after it is hauled away.
Not taken in by the blue skies framing this work, "Toxic Pile" speaks to each of us loudly right in our heads as we remain anxious and triggered by any reminder of the 51 inches of rain.
Natural, but man-made.
Inert, but the creation of a rampage.
In the city, but making big money for the out of city firms profiting nicely from the recovery dollars for our storm.
"Toxic Pile Of Dirt" addresses our powerlessness in ways we can accept. Even as we consider the implications of the work, we know somebody will come with a big truck to remove it from view until the next disaster.
This is an ever-changing work that will be gifted new form as it is inhaled and consumed by people who live the near the landfill where it will be taken by the trucks.
In this way, art is as timeless and indestructible as the starstuff that is the substance of the things we litter all over Houston and the discharge from the smokestacks all along our waterways.
Please follow me on Instagram. My user name is Neil_Aquino. Please read all of NeilAquino.com. If you've seen a guy walking around Houston with a sign, that possibly was me. Here is my Zazzle store where I sell items that have slogans on them from my signs and some other phrases as well.
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