NONUMENT01::McKeldin Fountain
“We set out to make an experience that would claim public space and celebrate the people who used it,…I hope Baltimoreans will feel like they own this as a 21st-century monument to everyday people, that this is part of their city now… No other city has a monument like this.” B'More Art
WATCH THE TRAILER
Project Trailer, 5:12 min. © nonument01.org 2018
"NONUMENT 01:: McKeldin Fountain” is Baltimore’s first virtual monument located in the Inner Harbor and free speech zone. This augmented reality public art project is free to download to your phone.
In opposition to bronze and stone, the nonument or “no monument” recreates the destroyed Brutalist-style monument the City of Baltimore and private partners tore down in January 2017. Using this app, anyone can put back the fountain and experience first-hand memories from ordinary activities, art events and protests, including uprisings following the death of Freddie Gray, Peace Vigils, LGBTQ issues and Occupy Baltimore.
DOWNLOAD THE APP
Image courtesty of the artist. © nonument01.org 2018
This video shows users how to download and use the augmented reality app.
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BRING BACK THE FOUNTAIN
Maura Callahan holding an iPad like a protest sign and bringing back McKeldin Fountain. McKeldin Square, May 19 2018. Photograph by Timothy Nohe. © nonument01.org 2018
When viewers hold up a mobile device like a protest sign, the participant will put back the fountain with 18 animated waterfalls including an infamous double waterfall. Viewers will see and hear documented interviews that includes a diversity of Baltimore voices from a former Mayor and ACLU lawyer to rappers, teachers and protestors, including the Women In Black who stood for peace at the site every Friday since December 2001. “Whisper Chambers” inside the fountain offer underrepresented voices in Baltimore City that are often unheard but significant to the vibrant life of any urban environment.
The story of McKeldin Fountain is part of the escalating privatization of public spaces worldwide, a trend that continues to diminish access to full participation and free speech for ordinary people in everyday urban life. This socially engaged intervention is an ambitious take on the latest AR technology in order to address the politics of reclaiming public space including: how public behavior is controlled by a variety of mechanisms? and, who has more exclusive access to what spaces?
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ON PUBLIC SPACE
Public Space documentary. Courtesy of the artist. 8:39min. © nonument01.org 2016
This documentary features community leaders Laure Drougal, Ryan Patterson, Mike Benevento, NONUMENT artists and others who discuss public space in Baltimore. It’s filmed primarily during an intervention at the Transmodern Festival 2015.
WALKTHROUGH the app
Participant viewing the NONUMENT 01, augmented reality app at McKeldin Square, May 19 2019. Camerawork by Chris Kojzar. © nonument01.org 2018
Visitors to McKeldin Square try the final app, 2018.
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NONUMENT 01 IN THE NEWS
Left: Baltimore Magazine awards NONUMENT 01 "Best Virtual Public Art 2018." Right: Metro Gallery Billboard, Station North Neighborhood, Baltimore, May 12-19 2018. Image courtesy of the artist.
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NONUMENT HEROES
In opposition to bronze and stone, NONUMENT [or “no monument”] installs new and emerging media forms in order to capture the transitory significance of everyday experiences. We seeks to honor hidden urban spaces that carry symbolic value for ordinary people. Meet the everyday heroes who make McKeldin Square a special place and are featured the app.
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BALTIMORE'S FREE SPEECH ZONES
Thanks to the Women in Black and the ACLU of Maryland, McKeldin Square is Baltimore's model Free Speech zone.
Included in the app are tools and information on your rights, the rules, links to get permits, hotlines and other tools useful when attending or organizing a demonstration.
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CREDITS
