By Paulina Gajewski
If you happen to stroll off of campus in the direction of Flatbush Avenue, right into the Hillel Place Plaza, you might encounter an assemblage of vibrant umbrellas. Right above the heads of passersby hang red, blue, green, yellow, and orange umbrellas, cascading shadows across the painted concrete. The umbrella installation, first installed this past June, provides a decorative view for a casual walk to grab food or catch the nearest train, but the roots of the piece extend far overseas.
In 2006, the government of Águeda, Portugal aimed to provide an extension to the FIFA World Cup in a collaborative effort. The city put together an event for the public in which passing pedestrians could enjoy art installations, musical concerts, theater performances, and film screenings.
Since its conception, the AgitÀgueda Festival has enjoyed the presence of over 500 artists. The musical performers span a variety of genres, though the majority are intended to inspire Portuguese civic pride. Portuguese artists such as Richie Campbell and Rosinha tend to perform at the festival’s concerts. Surprisingly, the show also includes a live tribute to the Swedish pop group ABBA, undoubtedly making it a hit for locals and tourists alike.
DJs mix, blend, and spin into the early hours of dawn, paired with samba musicians and dancers in feathered outfits to bring to life a celebration inspired by Brazil’s Carnaval. Humans camouflaged by body paint stalk the streets like statues come to life. Guests are also encouraged to take part in various sports competitions.
The festival’s art installations are generally urban installations, allowing for murals to be created across the unlimited space provided by already existing buildings. This open-air museum has caught the attention of tourists and bloggers from around the world, attracting thousands of tourists during its three-week run.
Beginning in 2006, parasols were strung from rooftop to rooftop with cables, providing colorful and geometric patterns across the walkways. Not only do the umbrellas provide a decorative set for the festival, but they also help to cool the streets and pedestrians walking below and enjoying the sights.
The pop-up umbrella structures became a hit around the world, coined the “Umbrella Sky Project.” Placed in similar urban areas across France, Spain, Japan, and Norway, the cult of these seemingly floating umbrellas made its way to America. Pedestrians can find these umbrella installations across Chicago, Florida, and Rhode Island.
The umbrellas found their way into the Flatbush Junction this past summer. The installation was in conjunction with the Hive Public Space, a BIPOC and women-led urban design studio, and the Flatbush Nostrand Junction Business Improvement District.
On May 13 and 14, volunteers of all ages were encouraged to help paint the technicolor street mural below the installation, coined “Raindrops @ the Junction.” The Hillel Plaza is not just home to passing students and residents, but to a variety of events, as well. This past summer, “I AM CARIBBEING + Humana” hosted free Zumba classes for senior citizens, including health services. This effort brought together the Kwabena Dance Company and Global Wellness instructors.
The plaza, officially opened in August of 2018, aimed to create a refreshing open space for the neighborhood. Since then, it has hosted students, shoppers, and residents alike. The colorful umbrellas that made their way from Portugal have emphasized the involvement and dynamism urban art can have with the public.
The Umbrella Sky Project at the Junction is an installation that has perpetuated just that, and will be on display until Sept. 30.