Exchange was created by Actual Size Artworks (Gail Simpson and Aristotle Georgiades) for the 2015 edition of the New Albany Public Art Project at corner of 3rd and Market Streets.
This sculpture is based on the idea of a front porch, and is meant to act as a gathering space. Front porches are largely gone from contemporary homes; they represent an era before air conditioning, TV and computers led people to relax indoors. Front porches represent a time when neighbors would sit outside their home on a pleasant evening and be available for conversation. The need for this kind of social space, at the intersection between private and public, is more acute than ever. This porch in this sculpture is split in half and offset, so the two halves don’t completely align. Formally this creates a more dynamic composition, and conceptually it refers to the fact that we may not see eye-to-eye with everyone we meet, but it’s still possible to have civil conversation and learn about different points of view. The two sides of the porch will feature functional porch swings. The rhythm of swinging creates a hypnotic, calming atmosphere that is conducive to easy familiarity with strangers.
In the fall of 2015, New Albany resident, and National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Jamey Aebersold and friend Steve Crews stopped by Exchange for an impromptu jam session.