SUBSTANCIAL
SUBSTANCIAL at the Hudson River Healthcare Center in Peekskill, NY
Location: Sun River Health, New York, NY, 2005 – 2007
Media: Acrylic, convex lens, LEDs, custom lighting sequence, and electrical hardware
Dimensions: 33 2/3 ft x 55 1/4 ft x 12 ft
During her research, Grimanesa Amoros learned about the four women who founded HRHCare in the early 1970s and how, after over 30 years, they remain active in the community. Their time and dedication inspired Amoros to create a project about them. Amoros admired their determination and accomplishments. Her strong impulse in approaching this project was to honor these women’s legacy and draw attention to the important organization that emerged from their efforts.
Drawing on interviews with some founding mothers, Amoros selected ideas and phrases that embody HRHCare. Some of the words were translated into Spanish to acknowledge the multicultural community HRHCare serves. Amoros displayed these words across the glowing surfaces of paper lanterns, which flow through a visual river made of water-like plastic sheeting. The colors and shapes of the work, like the words, draw from HRHCare’s existing character. The installation echoes the orb lights already visible through the window and the vibrant hues of the organization’s public literature.
Through lighting, words, texture, and color, Amoros sought to illuminate the Center’s mission, capturing the spirit of HRHCare and its vital role in the community.
Hudson River HealthCare is a network of fourteen community health centers located in Peekskill, Beacon, Poughkeepsie, Amenia, Dover Plains, Pine Plains, New Paltz, Goshen, Haverstraw, Greenport, Walden, and Monticello.