Psychogeopraphic art walk
Directed by Angie Eng
July/August 2024, Sacramento
Del Paso/ Stockton Blvd
in collaboration with Long Range Planning and the Planning Academy, City of Sacramento
Special Thanks to the Creative Engagement Team
At This Spot is an art action inspired by the French Avant Garde artist and designer group, Situationist International who organized urban strolls in order to closely examine the built environment on a psychological level rather than a utilitarian one. In the early 1900s they noticed a trend of urban design centered around market capitalism and consumption and away from human-centered design. They focused on the emotional impact of place and being totally present as they took these wandering strolls.
Participants were asked to listen to sounds, look at colors and patterns, and notice their emotions, while being totally in the present. The artist refers to it as a ‘game action.’ She explains, ‘I’ve designed cards with fun prompts that require players to analyze and react to the built environment at points along the route. They have to live the space as they go through it.’ Each participant will have an opportunity to pick one card that will have prompts for the group, like, ‘At this point, go to the nearest bus stop and wait for the next bus.’ ‘At this point, look for a place to sit and sit there for 60 seconds.’ At this point, close your eyes and listen to all the sounds without judgment.’
This project was sponsored by a California Arts Council Creative Corps grant via the Office of Arts and Culture. The Office of Arts and Culture placed five professional artists in different City departments/programs to conceptualize artistic strategies to increase civic engagement.