Hats for Buildings
May 2020 • Photoshop
Art Proposals by the Trang Family lineage
About
Once my sculpture class began distance learning due to COVID-19, our projects became digital. My final project consisted of creating a proposal for an imaginary public art piece. Instead of focusing on just one, I decided to put together a set of art proposals for giant hat sculptures designed to adorn various buildings throughout history.
For each proposal, I tried to make it as historically accurate as possible. I researched each building and read articles to ensure that the the details and opinions about each building were true. I researched the fashion of each decade, specifically the most famous hat style and the materials used to create them. I also wanted to make the names historically accurate, so I used the most common girls name from each decade (with the exception of the first and last proposals, which are my grandmother's name and my name respectively).
Reflection
In my Studio Art major, my classes focused on physical materials and mediums rather than digital design. However, my professors had to adapt once my school decided to move to distanced learning. When we were given free access to the entire Adobe Suite, I was really excited to finally get my hands on Photoshop and try to develop an entirely new set of skills. These public art proposals were the perfect way for me to get my feet wet and explore digital design tools.
"Save the Eiffel Tower"
April 8, 1900
While the Eiffel Tower is a monument we love and adore today, it was not everyone's favorite when it was first being built. Among those who did not like the building, Marie - Jeanne Trang proposed a public art sculpture in the shape of a hat to adorn the tower instead.
"Celebrate the Tower of Pisa"
April 8, 1923
Unlike Marrie - Jeanne who protested against the completion of a building, Dorothy Trang rejoiced and celebrated a beautiful monument. Publishing her proposal on the same date 23 years later, Dorothy started what will become a world famous tradition: the Trang Family Hats.
"Hat for the Leow's State Theater"
April 8, 1950
While 3rd in the series, this proposal was actually the first one I created. I worked backwards:
choosing the photo first and then figuring out what the building was. For the other "Trang Hats", I chose a building first and then searched for and edited a photo to fit the proper decade's aesthetic. This explains why the Leow's State Theater is included in the project since it is easily the least famous building.
"Cheers to the Sydney Opera House"
April 8, 1974
Jennifer was eager to publish this proposal, as she had the idea for over a decade! With plenty of delays due to problems with surveying and the unknown weight of the roof, The Sydney Opera House finally stood tall and will soon be adorned with a famous Trang Hat.
"Protect the Hollywood Sign"
April 8, 1979
Jessica was the first in the series to create a Trang hat for a sign, rather than a building. Despite it being vandalized and burned previously, the Hollywood sign now stands tall and is a very notable landmark.
Jessica's hat was the smallest hat created so far, but it was a great signifier of protection.
"Crown the Easter Island Bodies"
April 8, 2012
Like many others, Sophia was shocked to find out that the isonic Easter Island Heads were actually full body statues. Still intact with patterns on its back and a truncated torso, the tallest stands to be 33 ft tall. Sophia wanted to crown this amazing feat by the Rapa Nui people.
"Mask Our City"
April 8, 2020
Now for the major event that prompted this digital project: COVID19. Chloe is the first to stray from hats and instead chose to propose a giant mask. With NYC lockdowns and mask mandates, it is clear why she decided on a blue surgical mask for the most recent Trang project. Unlike the other proposals, Chloe isn't focused on celebrating or protesting a building. Instead, the focus is the message: to wear a mask to stop the spread.